Do you ever find yourself wanting to go out of your comfort zone and try something new for a change, like a new hobby or some really amazing off-the-wall fashion that you are really into? In your mind you know you are going to do what is right for you, but then that little person pops into your head and asks you what your friends, family, coworkers or just the public will think if you do this.

You ponder that question for a moment and finally decide to back out of your plans because the pressure of judgment is just too much to handle. This pressure is something that happens to people all over, from children to the wise. It is a part of our American society.

Why is that?

Why is it looked down upon for wanting to be you? Who has the right to judge you for being the way you are?

I mean seriously, why is it that people feel as though they are on some higher pedestal and can make the decision for everyone else as to what is right or wrong?

I personally think that people feel as though they have to judge because it gives them a sort of power, and it makes them feel good about him/herself. This judgment is the main reason why people won’t try new things.

I was once a victim to this way of thought myself and it took me a long time to break from it.

Once I had though, it felt so good to do things for me and I felt the weight lift off my shoulders and I became so much more open-minded.

Yes, I do love astronomy, and yes, I am still called a nerd (at least four times a week) but that’s OK. I am in to astronomy for myself.

This article is not about people who judge others, it’s about making decisions for yourself so that you can be happy and enjoy life. You only live once after all, so why not make the most of it.

When people ask me to give an example of what I am talking about concerning the fear of being judged, one favorite story comes to mind.

I am really into astronomy.If you know me, you know it is my own personal drug. For a while I would take my telescope to parks and let people look through it.

Now you may not really be into science, but it is still neat to be able to see Saturn and its brilliant rings or some distant planetary nebula.

The funny thing is that people would just either walk right past me or even if I offered them a chance to take a glance, they would take a look at their friend and then say “no thanks.”

I would still talk with them until they felt they had to have a look so I would leave them alone.

From that first glance though, they were hooked and asked me what else I could show them. They really were fascinated at what they saw and it just seemed as though from looking through that telescope opened their mind a little and next time they won’t be afraid to take that leap and just have a look.

I want to leave you with this thought … try not to worry so much about what people think.

Remember, life is short, so live it to the fullest and don’t be afraid to try that new hobby or that crazy fashion . just be yourself.

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