Though one might easily plan, shop for, and have a picnic in the time it usually takes, finding parking on my street isn’t one.

I was leaving my apartment one day just as a guy in a Porsche rolled into the parking space right in front of my building.

Rockstar parking, I thought.

Then, as I watched him get out of his car and hurry down to the end of the block, I thought, wow, for him, that parking space kinda sucks.

This bit of pavement, in itself, is meaningless. Its relative location is what defines it. To me—it’s awesome. To Porsche guy—not so much. To someone in Tokyo—worst. parking. spot. ever.

Alan Moore said, “Because our entire universe is made up of consciousness, we never really experience the universe directly. We just experience our consciousness of the universe—our perception of it … our only universe is perception.”

All of our contrasting perceptions weave our individual realities into the tapestry of our collective reality, moment to moment, creating our Universal experience. To judge any of it is a stick in one’s own spokes, while appreciating all of it, is possibly the most productive activity available.

Appreciation, in general, is a powerful, transcendent perspective to hold. The “bad” days define the “good” days. Without a bad day here and there, I wouldn’t know a good day if it hit me over the head. Though I may not necessarily enjoy “bad” days, I can still appreciate their defining contrast—their shadows containing Who I’m Not, helping to further illuminate Who I Am.

There are as many “truths” as there are perceivers of truth (read: seven billion and counting). And since all things are in a constant state of flux, this multiplies exponentially over time. Invariably, our own truths/opinions will change. There was a time where I loved applesauce, mashed carrots, and aspired to be a garbage man—none of which are currently true. In the same way that when I move across town, that parking space will become, for me, the opposite of rockstar parking.

Even having had one’s own unique life experience, without knowing the future, it’s impossible to judge oneself with any sort of accuracy—let alone someone else. So, rather than judge, simply allow others to contribute to your experience. Go easy on them—and go easy on yourself. Define your own personal rockstar parking for the moment, whether it’s an eight-foot span of oil-stained concrete, the arms of a lover, the laugh of a child, or just one deep breath.

Brian Kessler is the creator of oneword.com, a site for writers, creatives, or anyone seeking a little inspiration, or a better parking space.