retain kind thoughts

As we sat there watching people walk by, I thought about how pretentious many of these people were. The way they seemed to be trying really hard to uphold a certain image while they were walking. Some of them looked like they had rehearsed their walks. I asked my friend what she thought, and she reminded me of a statement I thought I had always known, an idea I thought I had been practising very well: Reserving judgment is a matter of infinite hope. I thought I was more patient and more non-judgmental than anyone I knew, until I got to know my friend. And so tonight, before I go to bed, this is what I say to myself: Retain kind thoughts of the people around you. Retain kind thoughts.