"Si juzgas a la gente, no tienes tiempo para amarlos."

When you focus on judging others, you miss out on the chance to connect with them on a deeper level. Essentially, our energy and attention are limited; if we're busy critiquing every action, we're not open to understanding or loving the person in front of us. This idea reminds us of the importance of empathy and acceptance over criticism.

Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to helping the poor and the sick, famously said this. She experienced firsthand how judgment can create barriers, while love and understanding can build bridges. Her work was all about embracing the humanity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances or past actions.

Imagine a teacher who spends all their time criticizing a student for not paying attention in class. The teacher might think they're helping by pointing out the student's flaws. But in reality, they're probably pushing the student further away. Instead, if the teacher took the time to understand why the student is distracted—maybe there are problems at home or undiagnosed learning difficulties—they could offer support and love. This understanding creates a supportive environment where the student feels valued and is more likely to engage.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by catching yourself when you're about to judge someone. Pause and think about what they might be going through. Try to put yourself in their shoes. It’s about shifting your perspective from criticism to curiosity and compassion. You don’t have to agree with everything someone does, but understanding the context can help you respond with empathy instead of judgment.

Let's say you're at a family gathering and your cousin is late—again. Your first instinct might be to think, "They’re so irresponsible." But what if you took a moment to consider what might be happening in their life? Maybe they're juggling a hectic job, kids, and other responsibilities. Instead of greeting them with frustration, you could offer a warm smile and a genuine, "Hey, glad you could make it." This reaction not only shows love but also opens the door for your cousin to feel comfortable and understood.

A personal story that comes to mind: I once had a colleague who was perpetually grumpy. My initial reaction was to keep my distance and silently judge them for having such a bad attitude. But one day, I found out they were caring for a sick parent and were under immense stress. This revelation completely changed my perspective. Instead of judging, I started to offer small acts of kindness, like bringing in their favorite coffee or just checking in on how they were doing. Our relationship transformed, and I found that what they needed wasn’t criticism, but a little bit of love and understanding.

Life's too short to spend it judging others. By shifting your focus to love and acceptance, you create a more positive, connected world. So next time you're tempted to judge, take a step back. Think about the person behind the action. You might find that there's more room for love than you ever realized.