Three great reasons to stop judging people.

It's a hot summer afternoon and you're walking down the street without shoes on. You left your t-shirt on the beach because you're covered in sunscreen (or oil, if you aren't a borderline-albino like myself), so you're only wearing a bikini top and shorts. As you stroll along, you begin to notice people staring. When you glance back, they are doing a double-take as well. Now, these aren't the kind of stares you endure waxing and cycle classes to attract. No. These are disapproving stares. You chalk it up to jealousy (because that makes you feel better) and continue along your path to delicious ice-creamy goodness. After all, things could be worse.

A few days later on the train to work, you're staring out the window as usual when you hear two chatty teenage boys burst out laughing. Their laughter is infectious, so you smile too - until you realise that it's directed at the boy opposite you. He is staring into his lap but beneath his lashes you can see that his eyes are turning bloodshot. Then you hear it, the crushing words that fill your eyes with tears as well: 'Yeah, as if, fucking faggot.'.

Yesterday I had an epiphany that has done wonders to my outlook on life.

Next time you start formulating a nasty thought about someone passing you by, consider this:

1) If they look, speak or act in a certain way it's because that's what comes naturally to them.
2) What they wear, watch or listen to is what makes them happy.
3) The people they hang out with are people that appreciate them and make them feel good (hopefully).

Why let it bother you? Why let negativity override the benefit of the doubt? And most importantly, what makes you better than them?

If you let go of inconsequential, judgemental opinions you might find yourself smiling more often. Smiling at the fact that when that person woke up this morning, they didn't feel the need to impress you or anyone. Smiling at the notion of individuality and compassion. Smiling at the fact that we all have the freedom to be whoever we want to be.

According to philosophical theory, the ultimate goal in life is to maximise one's personal freedom without minimising anybody else's. In other words, take every step possible to make yourself happy without hurting anybody in the process.

I have found that appreciating people for exactly who they are, has begun to do just that. I smile more, and people smile back. With all this positive brain space, I have room to notice the beauty around me - in people and places, and nature especially. There's even a little skip in my step.

Best of all though, is that I'm starting to accept and appreciate who I am, too. When I stopped judging, I stopped feeling the need to impress. Now, I'm not an expert, but I have an inkling that this might be the first step to truly loving and respecting myself. Sorry guys, but no expensive shirt, handbag or pair of shoes is quite as satisfying and fulfilling as that.

Except maybe this one...