Firstly, thank you for all the neat comments on this mornings post! The post ended up being a tad um controversial, with some friends leaping to my defence, but honestly I don’t think anyone was being judgemental and I honestly welcomed all viewpoints. I think we can learn a lot by different experiences and opinions and try to always welcome them in the comments or by email.
I agree with some who said like it or not we all make assumptions and we should be aware of them [I really liked your example Shoestring of the little things we assume], but I also agreed with those who said assumptions can lead to misunderstandings. I think assumptions are not synonymous with judgement, in fact my cousin’s wife decided she would tell me she knew I assumed she would breastfeed while no one else in the family assumed she would because they viewed her as different. She then went on to share that in fact I was the only family member and friend she felt was non-judgemental and fully supported her decision to stop at 2 weeks. I thought it was nice of her to remind me that I may have assumed something yet it didn’t mean I judged her. I am, however, going to be very aware of what I assume, try to assume less and make sure it doesn’t come with any judgement. I also think sometimes it can be a good thing to make an assumption - for example that the world is a good place, or that people are kind, or people do good things. Anyways, thanks for the range of viewpoints, as always I fall somewhere in the middle I think 
And…..I made a momentous leap today towards a couple of ideas I said I was interested in. Any guesses??
1. I began using cloth toilet paper!!!!!!!!! I can hardly believe it, I’ll do a proper post on it soon and I have to admit I won’t be using it for anything other than a tinkle, but wow, it was such an easy change and one I can hardly believe I made!!!
2. I turned the computer off for most of the day and instead got the following accomplished
- finished painting the bathroom
- got rid of 2/4 boxes of photographs and organized the remaining
- decluttered the lounge
- put a huge box of books together to pack up
- found two more jobs to apply for over the coming month
- vacuumed the house
And that, is the Monday night round UP!
Can’t wait to hear more about the toilet paper! I’m so interested in this.
So glad someone is, I thought people would think I was nuts! LOL
Wow, very interested to hear about the cloth toilet paper, as I’m afraid I didn’t think such a thing existed!
I didn’t find your previous post judgmental, and though I do actually do (or at least attempt!) most of the things on your assumption list, I absolutely do NOT assume that most people would do the same!
Thanks for not finding it judgemental, lol I know it wasn’t meant that way since I know my own heart but it’s nice to have validation! lol
I assume that you are trying to tell me that if I turn off my computer, I will get my photos sorted? heeheehee Sorry, couldn’t resist making that leap since you so recently commented on my blog post about all my boxes of photos that need sorting.
You know I really assume no such thing, but somebody (me) REALLY needs to follow your lead on this.
LOL funny you
I won’t be joining you in the cloth toilet paper thing, the whole thing grosses me out, sorry!!
Gill in Canada
LOL that’s ok Gill, I will still be friends!
Congrats on the change, it’s really pretty easy once you get going. Well done for getting so much accomplished, now if only all four of my kids would take a several hour nap, and of course I would have tons of energy, then perhaps I’d get a small portion of what you did, done.
Wow! I’m so impressed with the cloth toilet paper! Not a change I would currently consider I’m afraid, but I really want to hear more about it.
I’m actually a little confused about your living situation, are you still living with the shift worker, is that the place where your guests plus dog stayed, or are you somewhere else now? (must pay better attention I think!)
I will do a big post on it with the hows, lol!
I’ll email you to explain!
You got lots accomplished! Good stuff!!
Interesting on the cloth TP.. I can see it for a tinkle, but other than that.. I don’t think I could. lol!! I’ll be back to read more about that!
http://www.halfdozendaily.wordpress.com
I’m sticking with the tinkles
Wonderful to see you identifying your assumptions then taking into account how they are affecting your behaviour and relationships. From a Buddhist perpsective, this is an important beginning for awareness and your application of the assumptions in your subsequent relations is a good example of mindfulness. Keep it up. If only we all did it.
Thanks Goddert, I always *try* to be honest with myself otherwise I feel like I’m living a lie! My uncle is a Buddist!
Yesterday the internet connection at work was broken (why yes that is the technical term for it) and there was no access to e-mail or the internet. I haven’t got so much work done for months!
lol may it happen more often then
I can’t stand the thought of cloth toilet paper. But I know a girl well I read her blog who has done the cloth toilet paper. http://bonzaiaphrodite.com/
Best of luck with that.
oooh thanks Jessica