The Benefit, of the Benefit of the Doubt.

Giving the benefit of the doubt is not something we do for others.  Like forgiveness, it is something we do for ourselves; our own well-being.

I recently had a situation that required believing in a solution before I could see it.  Instead of getting caught up in worry, or blame, or freaking out, or resisting the circumstances, I decided to take a breath and not assume anything that was in the direction of the downward spiral (that just feels so awful).  I found myself being able to latch onto giving the benefit of the doubt.  I found myself bypassing blame, and trusting there would be a solution that was obvious once I had a chance to talk with everyone involved. 

The benefit, of the benefit of the doubt, is that from that perspective I will be able to see the next steps, choices, and decisions that will take me on the upward spiral.  I won't be able to see those solutions when I am worrying, or blaming . . . those reactions and choices are in the opposite direction of my solution.  If I would have freaked out I would have buried the possibilities I really wanted before they had a chance to present themselves.  I give the benefit of the doubt because I will be better able to see clearly, stay in alignment with who I really am (WIRA), with my priorities, and not take a journey on the downward spiral.

Our knee jerk reaction may be to blame and be angry but that's only because it has become a habit of protection (but protection is a mediocre way to live).  A habit of giving the benefit of the doubt can be a natural response as well . . . with practice.

LOP is giving the benefit of the doubt, because it's a gift we deserve to give ourselves.