So, I really hope that you had the opportunity to watch the youtube video that I posted about Empathy! I have been learning so much about empathy lately and how truly powerful it can be. I love the end of the video when it talked about how sometimes we try to make things better and add a silver lining, but what really makes thing better is making a connection! I have found that to be so true in my life, and it has also brought me the most joy when I have been able to make that connection with other people!
The world would be a better place if we were all more empathetic. I have been reflecting on my life recently and I realized that there are times in my life when people tell me things and I get frustrated that they feel that way. How dumb is that? I get frustrated that they are having a hard time, like that somehow inconveniences me... it's like I am thinking, "why can't you struggle less, or other people have worse problems, get over it." I am honestly ashamed that these thoughts have even crossed my mind. How selfish is that? I am too busy trying to fix the problem that I am not caring enough about the problem! And the truth is, when I act that way nothing gets solved. It leaves me frustrated and unhappy and leaves the person with the problem hurt and feeling alone! Empathy is the solution to that selfishness! Empathy is the way that we can make a true connection with the people around us. It is trying to understand what that person is going through, learning about their emotions and the trials that they face. It is looking at a situation from their perspective. It is understanding that another person's feelings are valid no matter how different they be from yours. It is so powerful because it can be healing for all parties involved! Let's be honest, there is no way that we can know what another person is going through. Even if we think we know them perfectly, we don't. We can not read minds, we can not live their lives, we can not truly feel what they are feeling, but what we can do is listen! We can ask questions to understand, we can sit with them in silence and just be there, we can reassure them that we are there for them, and we can try and share their burden. Sometimes all someone needs is the presence of someone who wants to understand and care! Another thing to keep in mind, is that because we don't know what anyone else is going through we have to watch our words and our actions. Give people the benefit of the doubt that they are trying to be a nice, loving person. Not many people wake up in the morning thinking about how they can make your day a living hell, people are just to busy for that. Sometimes someone is just having a bad day, sometimes their home life is stressful, their work life is stressful, they are struggling with their mental health, physical health, spiritual health or crap is just hitting the fan in their life. The point is, life is hard so try not to make is harder for other people. (I say you a lot but I am really talking to myself!) So, my invitation to anyone who reads this post today is, if you come across someone who is having a bad day, just be there for them. Be a little kinder, be a little gentler and smile more! You never know who's day you will brighten!
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AuthorI am Izsie. I feel deeply, which is a curse and a blessing and I love to rant. Archives
March 2017
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