Many of us are guilty of assuming things. This is not healthy, though it is one of many human flaws. Recently I realized that there are some assumptions that I am guilty of falling into. This week has been one that has proven these assumptions wrong and brought me much happiness. Here's to trying to extinguish assumption.
Assumption #1: When people do not smile at me, it means that they don't like me.
This is absolute nonsense. Yeah in the United States, especially at school, I smile at everyone as I go about my day. Where I grew up, even if strangers make eye contact they give each other a small grin (at least). Here in Poland things are very different. People don't really smile when they go about there day, and now neither do I. It doesn't mean that I am unhappy, or that I have something against these random strangers. This lesson has been very good for me to learn. When I go back home, I most definitely will resume smiling at almost everyone I come into contact with. However, when people do not return the deed I will not be offended.
Assumption #2: If people are staring at you, it is usually not a positive thing.
A few days ago I was in the grocery store waiting my turn to pick some apples. An elderly lady was standing in front of the boxes just staring at me. "Oh great," I thought. "I wonder what on earth she could possibly be thinking. Probably that I am some strange outsider who has no idea what I am doing at this store." I tried to go about my business paying her no mind. All of a sudden she started talking to me. She lifted up one of the boxes to show me where the best apples were. Then she started putting them in my bag until I had what she and I both thought was enough. At this particular store in Poland, when you are selecting produce you must weigh it and select the right button to get a price sticker before making your purchase. This lady walked over to said scale with me and helped me to pick the right button for the type of apples we were both purchasing. After this experience I realized that I need to start giving people more credit. Just like you "can't judge a book by it's cover," you can't judge people by their exterior.
Assumption #3: Teaching 10-12 year olds is going to be a snooze.
I probably shouldn't have favorites when teaching. And in all honesty maybe favorites isn't the correct term anyways. There is love and enjoyment in my heart for all of the classes and tutoring sessions that I teach. However there are a few that always stick out in my mind. One of the classes I look forward to teaching the most is one that consist of a small group of about 12 year olds. These kids are awesome. They are old enough to have their own options and personalities, but they have yet to enter the crazy teenage years. I would say they are at mid-childhood. Their minds are open and ready to learn. It seems as though they are in a place where they are becoming more aware of the world around them. Maybe they care a little bit about how people perceive them, but they don't let it stop them from being themselves. A bit silly, a bit serious.
Assumption #4: 13-15 year olds are some of the most annoying people on the planet.
I know for a fact that I am not the only one who has held this assumption. There are several people who cringe at the thought if this age group. Children who believe they know everything, and who believe that they should be given full independence. Never did I think that I would be enlightened by such a group. Yeah, they are a little too concerned about being considered cool but we have all been there. In addition they do have something pretty excellent to offer. We just need to give them a chance. Why do I say this? Well, I had the opportunity to teach my roommate's class which consists of a large group of 13-15 year olds. The majority of them being 14. To start out the class period we played a few games. Then it was time to get into our discussion. The topic that I had selected was based on family. After a while I really started to enjoy my time with these kids. They are pretty awesome. And then...they got even cooler. One of the questions was about whether or not people should have to follow the religion of their parents, or if they should have the freedom to choose a religion of their own. I asked how many of the kids' parents were religious. Only about half of them raised their hands. Then I asked about their thoughts. A majority of them thought that people should have the freedom to choose their own religion. If it is forced, it is no longer genuine. There is nothing personal about it. I took the opportunity to tell the class that I was Christian. I told them that in my religion we believe in a personal relationship with God. I agreed with them, that if religion is forced, it takes away from the personal relationship. It is not authentic. Not everyone in the class shared the same beliefs, but it was awesome to watch them respectfully discuss with one another (something even some adults cannot do). If I ever have the opportunity to work with this group of awesome individuals again, I will take it.
Assumption #5: A comfortable life, is a boring life.
In my last post I talked about how living in Poland is becoming my ordinary life. Things do not seem as new any more. I am getting used to everything and establishing routines. For a moment I was worried that with this ordinary life, would come boredom. But you know what, it doesn't have to be that way. I can create my own adventures. I can do one new thing every day, and so can you...no matter where you are.
Try not to let assumptions get the best of you. Find a way to challenge them. May God lead you in an assumption extinguishing adventure of your own.
Peace and love from Poland.
Assumption #1: When people do not smile at me, it means that they don't like me.
This is absolute nonsense. Yeah in the United States, especially at school, I smile at everyone as I go about my day. Where I grew up, even if strangers make eye contact they give each other a small grin (at least). Here in Poland things are very different. People don't really smile when they go about there day, and now neither do I. It doesn't mean that I am unhappy, or that I have something against these random strangers. This lesson has been very good for me to learn. When I go back home, I most definitely will resume smiling at almost everyone I come into contact with. However, when people do not return the deed I will not be offended.
Assumption #2: If people are staring at you, it is usually not a positive thing.
A few days ago I was in the grocery store waiting my turn to pick some apples. An elderly lady was standing in front of the boxes just staring at me. "Oh great," I thought. "I wonder what on earth she could possibly be thinking. Probably that I am some strange outsider who has no idea what I am doing at this store." I tried to go about my business paying her no mind. All of a sudden she started talking to me. She lifted up one of the boxes to show me where the best apples were. Then she started putting them in my bag until I had what she and I both thought was enough. At this particular store in Poland, when you are selecting produce you must weigh it and select the right button to get a price sticker before making your purchase. This lady walked over to said scale with me and helped me to pick the right button for the type of apples we were both purchasing. After this experience I realized that I need to start giving people more credit. Just like you "can't judge a book by it's cover," you can't judge people by their exterior.
Assumption #3: Teaching 10-12 year olds is going to be a snooze.
I probably shouldn't have favorites when teaching. And in all honesty maybe favorites isn't the correct term anyways. There is love and enjoyment in my heart for all of the classes and tutoring sessions that I teach. However there are a few that always stick out in my mind. One of the classes I look forward to teaching the most is one that consist of a small group of about 12 year olds. These kids are awesome. They are old enough to have their own options and personalities, but they have yet to enter the crazy teenage years. I would say they are at mid-childhood. Their minds are open and ready to learn. It seems as though they are in a place where they are becoming more aware of the world around them. Maybe they care a little bit about how people perceive them, but they don't let it stop them from being themselves. A bit silly, a bit serious.
Assumption #4: 13-15 year olds are some of the most annoying people on the planet.
I know for a fact that I am not the only one who has held this assumption. There are several people who cringe at the thought if this age group. Children who believe they know everything, and who believe that they should be given full independence. Never did I think that I would be enlightened by such a group. Yeah, they are a little too concerned about being considered cool but we have all been there. In addition they do have something pretty excellent to offer. We just need to give them a chance. Why do I say this? Well, I had the opportunity to teach my roommate's class which consists of a large group of 13-15 year olds. The majority of them being 14. To start out the class period we played a few games. Then it was time to get into our discussion. The topic that I had selected was based on family. After a while I really started to enjoy my time with these kids. They are pretty awesome. And then...they got even cooler. One of the questions was about whether or not people should have to follow the religion of their parents, or if they should have the freedom to choose a religion of their own. I asked how many of the kids' parents were religious. Only about half of them raised their hands. Then I asked about their thoughts. A majority of them thought that people should have the freedom to choose their own religion. If it is forced, it is no longer genuine. There is nothing personal about it. I took the opportunity to tell the class that I was Christian. I told them that in my religion we believe in a personal relationship with God. I agreed with them, that if religion is forced, it takes away from the personal relationship. It is not authentic. Not everyone in the class shared the same beliefs, but it was awesome to watch them respectfully discuss with one another (something even some adults cannot do). If I ever have the opportunity to work with this group of awesome individuals again, I will take it.
Assumption #5: A comfortable life, is a boring life.
In my last post I talked about how living in Poland is becoming my ordinary life. Things do not seem as new any more. I am getting used to everything and establishing routines. For a moment I was worried that with this ordinary life, would come boredom. But you know what, it doesn't have to be that way. I can create my own adventures. I can do one new thing every day, and so can you...no matter where you are.
Try not to let assumptions get the best of you. Find a way to challenge them. May God lead you in an assumption extinguishing adventure of your own.
Peace and love from Poland.