Optical Illusion, The Thirtieth Week in the Second Year of the New Abnormal

I was out for an early walk to beat the heat. Ahead of me I could see a large pile of dog excrement, and my mind went on a rampage. I got angry at the unknown dog walker or owner who was selfish at best, and a menace to our neighborhood, as far as I was concerned. I righteously congratulated myself on my dog etiquette and my thoughtfulness in always making sure I have enough bags and I clean up after Lucy. I railed at the many dog owners in the city who don’t think of others, which then got me on a mental rant about those who let their dogs go leashless in the parks and on the sidewalks. I had really worked myself up by the time I passed what I thought was poop but turned out to be an errant dark sock.

My condemnation of others and the easy assumption of others’ guilt based on an unsubstantiated conjecture was fascinating to me. How had I become so judgmental so quickly? What has happened that I assume the worst in others rather than think the best of them? I know there have been times when I was misunderstood, and the worst was thought of me. It is not a good feeling. So, why am I making that same mistake?