Not a super flexy slender Yoga chick talks "the Power of Assumption”

You are walking, minding your own business. You come to a zebra crossing and stand calmly, waiting for the light to turn green. On the other side, you notice someone looking “angry” in your direction. What are your thoughts?

• What did I do to deserve that angry look?

• Oh, I hope this person’s day gets better.

Let me take a wild guess. About 90 percent of us will assume it has something to do with us. Only 10 percent, and these numbers are just to make the text sound more scientific since I do not actually have the research, will not take it personally and will assume they are not responsible for the other person’s mood.

In this era of digitalization, it is very easy to misinterpret what has been written. Technology has also desensitized us. It has become harder to read human emotions when we see them, and even when we hear them.

But here is the trick. We could simply assume it has nothing to do with us, not take things personally, and choose to assume the best. This would make your life easier and the other person’s life easier too. Save the energy.

Assuming the best is about giving people a little grace before jumping to conclusions. It is choosing to believe that most mistakes are not personal and most intentions are not bad. It does not mean being blind or letting things slide, but rather not leading with defensiveness. When you assume the best, life feels a bit lighter, conversations go smoother, and you save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress.

Assuming the best has a calming effect on both the body and the mind. Mentally, it quiets overthinking and reduces the constant loop of suspicion, leaving you with more energy for focus, creativity, and clearer thinking. Emotionally, it lowers anxiety and helps you feel more grounded and open instead of guarded. Physically, that mental ease often shows up as less muscle tension, steadier breathing, and a calmer nervous system. Over time, this mindset can make you feel lighter, more resilient, and better able to handle stress without carrying it everywhere in your body.

Humor me and try this. The next time someone sends a message or you see someone’s face, try to assume the best, even when there are no emojis to make the communication clearer.