Letting Go of Judgment: Finding Peace Through Kindness

A Note From Angela Woolcott (2025)

This post is shared for historical reference to help document my journey as a writer and author. It was originally published in 2017 on my first blog and reflects my personal and creative Journey at that time.

“At the top of the rise, I was awestruck. It was another spot of incredible beauty. The gnarled oaks were spaced about fifty feet apart, and their wide limbs grew completely together at the top, creating a canopy overhead. On the forest floor grew broad-leafed tropical plants which stood four or five feet high and had leaves up to ten inches in width. These plants were interspersed with large ferns and bushes lush with white flowers….I could smell the musty odour of the leaves and the fragrance of the blossoms. I opened the folder…the Third Insight brings a transformed understanding of the physical universe…Sometime near the end of the second millennium, it predicted, humans would discover a new energy which formed the basis of and radiated outward from all things, including ourselves.” Pg 59 The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

In life, there are no pass-or-fail moments; there are just moments of making choices. I realise I shouldn’t be so hard on myself. If I fall into the habit of judging others for their behaviour, I am just reacting to the energy that they are omitting. When I centre my own energy, I realise that I am constantly at the crossroads of self-expression too. Do I turn left and express my frustration or right and hold my tongue? My motto is to take a deep breath and be kinder.

My husband, two kids, and I got in the car on the weekend to visit a lovely cafe in the country and celebrate a relative’s birthday. For some reason, I got confusing information and we ended up at the wrong one. As we were driving late to the correct café, I shared with my family that we should enjoy the countryside outlook, as it was a lovely day. I decided to take a deep breath and found a moment to be alone with a big tree before facing the questions from inquiring family members about why we were late.

So yes, I did excuse myself to the loo, which had a nice view over a beautiful valley. A loo with a view! There was a lovely, big tree that I stood near for a few minutes to absorb positive energy and release negative energy. Trees are our friends. They are beautiful, wise, keepers of knowledge and givers of life, such a gift to stop and appreciate the beauty of an old tree.

As we were ordering late, the waitress was a little rude to me, but ultimately, I know she was overwhelmed and found an outlet for the pent-up frustration she was feeling. I gave her a big smile and acted like I didn’t mind, and I really didn’t at the time. It wasn’t until we all started fussing at each other about the long wait and being completely forgotten by the staff that we began to grumble. So I excused myself and started taking some photos of the kids playing with a frisbee. Kids have a way of finding fun together and escaping the world through their play; such a joy to absorb their positive energy and amplify it.

I had a moment later on of wishing I had stood up to the waiter, but would I have felt better now? I’d probably be kicking myself for blurting out how rude they were. We are constantly making choices, and at the time, I made the best ones I could, and so did they. Not always the best choices, but the best we could handle. Ultimately, it’s only through non-judgment that we can find peace. 

This is how I have come to forgive the wrongdoings of others towards me in the past. There were times when I felt people could have made kinder, more loving choices towards me, but I recognise that it is in the past, and they made a decision based on where they were at on their journey. I also know that I have to forgive myself and realise that I can grow and improve from the not-so-kind choices I have made in the past. Perhaps be more assertive, in a kind way if possible, to let the other person know I won’t be their doormat again.

I choose discernment more as I get older, in who I let into my circle of trusted people. Although I am naturally a people pleaser, I now realise it is better not to have certain people in my life, as it allows me to function better as a mother, wife, etc. A negative-thinking person can drain my energy.

I won’t be in a hurry to go back to that café, but when I reflected on the day, I thought I handled it okay when we got lost and went to the wrong one. So a pat on the back is essential sometimes, too.

I find the start of the day is a good time to set my intentions for a positive, loving day with joyful interactions. Throughout the day, I take a moment to have a deep breath or two if needed. At night, I take the time to be thankful for the day or ask for the strength to accept what the day has given us. Because let’s face it, sometimes the day can be full of struggles and hurdles. 

❝Be grateful for the good moments and focus on attracting more into your life.❞

I use the time washing my hair in the shower to reflect and let go, letting stress wash down the drain with the bubbles. Before I go to sleep, I am ready for a restful and peaceful night’s sleep. This is a good time to be thankful and send love to everyone in my life, as well as to the world, where it is needed most.

When I focus on worldly love and forgiveness, my problems don’t seem so big. If there is time to meditate for ten minutes or more throughout the day, it is beneficial to focus on my spiritual growth and connect with the ultimate source of unconditional love.

I am grateful for the beautiful old tree that kindly took some of my frustration and transformed it into oxygen. Hopefully, the stressed-out waitress will take the time to do that as well. I send her love. I send love to my tree friend. There is that familiar feeling… yes…connection…I remember… deep breath… exhale…I am love.

Angela  Woolcott