From Awareness Builder 101: Chapter 22
22. Guilty as charged
Nobody wants to hear that sentence. Except for a few ‘special’ people, even the biggest criminal doesn’t want to hear this. When these words come out of the mouth of the judge, you’re in trouble. Maybe you have to pay a fine. Maybe you even need to go to prison. And with that, something essential from you will be taken away; your freedom. Freedom to go where you want, to do what you want, even to be what you want. When the system works correctly, people are being sentenced to go to prison because they committed a rather big crime. According to the system, justice is supposed to be done and the offenders deserve it their freedom is taken from them for a certain amount of time. In the hope it’ll correct them and that they won’t do it again.
Recently I became more aware of a ‘side job’ I have taken on. It’s a voluntary job and I’m afraid I must admit I didn’t really study for it. Yet, I consider myself a specialist. Even much faster and more efficient than those who did study for it. I’m really good at it and it’s no problem to do it whilst involved in other things. And really, I don’t even want money for it since it comes effortless. It’s as easy as breathing, really, I can do it 24/7. No prob! I’m always on duty and I just love it! I am fully committed to this side job and it’s like second nature, it just happens to me, whether I think about or not. I just love this self-appointed side job!!
Curious what it is? Let me tell you: “I am a judge”. Yes, a judge and I’m a freaking specialist. In a split second I am able to charge and sentence people. I have this super-fast built in system that enables me to analyse, categorize, label, judge and sentence people. And they’ve committed serious crimes!! Really, they totally deserve my sentence.
Here are some of the crimes they committed: causing the traffic jam I am in, they are too thick, thin, tall or small. Dress horribly. Smell. Are too loud. Too silent. They are so arrogant or don’t stand up for themselves. Block my view. Speak a language I don’t understand. They look at me. Or not. There are too many of them. They together, me alone. They, they, they, the list of crimes is endless. It is so sad the world is so full of these kind of people. Luckily I am so wise I know why they are wrong….
And luckily I am not like them! Not at all! I am, well, maybe not perfect but at least I know the rules. If only everybody could be like me….. Luckily I am not like them, luckily I am not one of them. Just imagine…..
…….Sounds horrible, right…..? Shame on me! I’m sure it isn’t the same for you! Or maybe…. You do recognize something…?
We judge so lightly. We are prosecutor, judge and the executioner. What happened to one of the wisest rule for life: “Judge not, lest you be judged”.
Journaling questions for this chapter:
Where did I promote myself to a self-assigned judge?
Where would it be a good idea to look in the mirror before I judge someone
else?
Where do I judge others to cover up my own offences?
© 2025. Alex Verlek, Coaching Works International.
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