
To judge another, or even yourself, based on appearances is unfair on so many levels. Judge by effort, intention, and the heart of a person.
Everyone has a story. When I find myself judging someone, I try to step back and realize, they have a story. Ask. This is a lesson that was driven home to me one Sunday in church. A couple got up and shared their testimony. Now, I had judged this couple based on their appearance and demeanor. Both, dressed to the nines, standing tall and aloof.
When they shared where they had come from I was ashamed of myself. Their story was one of struggle and overcoming. I've learned, since that day, the measure by which I judge someone, is the measure by which I myself would be judged.
I have fallen hard, more than once. I hope I would not be judged harshly on the fall, but on the heights I reach following. One thing I can say, and be proud of, I do not stay down.
Try to look at your fall as a tool in growing to the next level in your life. If we learn from our downfalls, then they are valuable to us in immeasurable ways. Learn compassion and understanding for others in the same or worse situations. Learn about what others have been through and help them up.
When you hit the ground hard, stand up, dust off and carry on to bigger and better things. The gain is worth the pain.