THE STORIES WE ASSUME

We observe and We react. We don't only see we interpret. Rarely there is a pause in between.

We expect to see an old lady sitting in her cozy, comfortable place or maybe in her garden, with eyes full of experiences and a heart full of memories. The moment we see her walking down the lane or sitting in a salon doing her own things with courage and strength, we react—either positively or negatively.

In the next scene, we see a pregnant woman and expect her to be sitting, relaxing, reading, and staying safe. The moment we see her juggling work in a corporate office between new projects and promotions, we react.

We react when we see a husband cooking while the wife enjoys her “me time.” We react when we see a mother spending more time at work than the father. 

We react when a little child asks for space and respect. We react all the time. That’s what we are good at.

We are born with the notion that we know it all. The truth is, we don’t even understand the next person sitting beside us. It is impossible to assume or truly know what is going on in other people’s minds and hearts. On a lighter note, that’s exactly the reason we are not killing each other.

We have our own set of preconceived assumptions. We expect white to be a color, but in reality, white is the absence of colors.

Being generous with our assumptions does not mean abandoning discernment. It simply means acknowledging that our perspective is limited. It means accepting that what feels unfamiliar to us may be perfectly natural for someone else.

Perhaps the real growth lies not in reacting better—but in assuming less.

In a world full of complexities, we can be more careful while reacting and may be more flexible while assuming.