It is easy to jump to conclusions

Just Thinking

By Earlene Ward

(Updated: Wednesday, April 09, 2008, 6:53 PM)

Just thinking
...about perceptions.

I would think most of us, from time-to-time, make a quick judgment based on what we think is happening, or what we think are the facts. Many times these perceptions are not based on fact or reality, yet we tend to cling to those thoughts and base our actions on them.

This can be a disservice to everyone. If we believe what we perceive, then we are not getting all of the information we need to make a sound decision.

It is too easy to jump to conclusions that are based on rumor or information that is not verified. I have seen hard feelings exist for a long time because someone was reacting to what they thought was happening when, in fact, their information was not accurate or factual.

What they were thinking was happening just seemed so logical to them, they did not go the next step to find out what was actually going on. Based on those perceptions, they made judgments that were hurtful to everyone.

Once we have made up our mind about something it is difficult to change our thinking, even if we hear a different set of facts. It is so important to hear all sides of an issue before reaching a conclusion. That is not an easy thing to do.

I wonder how much unhappiness would be avoided if we all did our best to get all the information we could before we made any decisions or jumped to any conclusions. I think it would be a lot.