Coping Skills - $13 - Don't Pass Judgment on Others

Hi Robin;   great blog!  Thank-you for the insight.      This truth is an imperative skill for anyone to develop in today's world, and also in the world of the mentally ill. 

   I can recall many times while being psychotic that I was very judgemental.   I started my illness 32 years ago and I can recall relapsing into this "judgemental" state quite often until several years ago.     It's kind of tragic to think how many people with schizophrenia are judged but are, at times, judging all mankind.

Robin. I so appreciate the educational posts you share. You always have something pragmatic to say and a specific behavior one can immediately put into practice. You're one hell of a writer but also a genius in that you give something almost tangible for one to change and enhance their life from. What a gift you have Robin and you use it to encourage and diminish the suffering of your fellow man.

You're a world class champion.

Marty 

Hi Robin, it was SO good to see you at the NAMI NJ conference last Saturday!  I am reading through and thoroughly enjoying/soaking up your words of wisdom and I thank you for inviting me to take a peek!  At my ripe old age of 41 I have often thought that a book needs to be written.  If I had the skills necessary I would call it "Someone Has To Make The Sandwiches".  The line stems from a time in my life when I was doing very well.  I was in my mid 20's, I had a great job and I was ALWAYS shopping for expensive suits and shoes while paralegaling for the top lawyers in New Jersey.  I even had the customary little 2 seater red convertible.  Unfortunately, at that time, my brothers, who are twins and 7 years older than me, were not doing so well.  They convinced my father to retire from the police department after 35 years of service and open a family deli.  Needless to say, since they were not healthy, it didn't go very well.  Soon, my Dad asked me if I would be willing to leave my job and come help.  I JUMPED at the opportunity!  I was SO excited and I loved every single minute even though I no longer had a pay check, my car was reposessed and my bills were piling.  I even had to leave my beautiful apartment in a gorgeous victorian house.  However, I realized I was HAPPY!  We eventually had to sell the deli because of the problems that existed before I arrived but those were truly the most wonderful five years of my life.  I then returned to what I knew best, being a paralegal.  It took me a few years to realize I just wasn't happy working for people who didn't appreciate me or the clients paying their bills. I  wasn't happy and there needs to be a place in this big world for everyone to be happy, content, and successful regardless of the meaning to each of us!  After suffering for years with depression, chronic migraines, cluster headaches, and all around poor health I approached my boss one Friday and quit my job.  No 2 week notice.  I just quit.  I am married and I am the bread winner.  I did not and do not regret my decision.  My husband may, but I do not.  It has been 5 years.  A long very POOR five years.  But again, I am happy.  I am now working 3 part-time jobs.  I paralegal for a lawyer part-time in his office, I paralegal for another lawyer from her home and I also am the Financial Administrator for a non-profit agency that provides treatment for people suffering from alcohol and substance abuse in downtown Newark.  I also work with NAMI NJ and NAMI Sussex on various projects.  I would love to have my own coffee shop/deli again but the money is just not there and probably won't ever be.  (even though I'm currently looking at the PERFECT shop in my home town!)  Anyway, the point to this whole story is that EVERYONE has their own set of circumstances.  The things God has given them as challenges to overcome throughout their lives.  Some people are doctors and lawyers, some pick up garbage from the curb, some clean hotel rooms, and some, they just make the sandwiches.  Some are healthy, some suffer from physical illness, others from mental illness. And on and on it goes.  Everyone has their cross/es to bear and everyone should be treated with dignity and respect regardless.  Robin, you are quite an insightful man.  Your words of wisdom touch so many lives. You must always put your head on the pillow at night and thank God for the gifts he's brought you because you touch and help so many in return.  Even with/despite the circumstances you were given to deal with in life.  Thank you for touching my life, I can't wait to see you again!  Katy Linton