Finding Compassion & Connection
If you had asked me whether I thought I was a good person who truly cared for others prior to this year, it’s very likely that I would have answered that I tried to be without hesitation.
And what’s fascinating is that this answer would have been both the truth and not at the same time.
My life experiences are my frame of reference. Based on what I’ve lived and seen, I’m able to put myself in the shoes of others and appreciate or feel for their circumstances.
Having been fortunate enough for most of my life to not have experienced significant loss or heartache, it was hard for me to relate at times, to understand what others may have been feeling, and therefore to be someone who could support others in the way that they needed during certain life events.
I wasn’t aware of this. And looking back, I feel bad about it.
But now, I believe things are different. I’m different. I wish I could have made it here without having experienced our loss but that’s not the path I was meant to travel.
People said that out of this darkest day there could be some good. That I may not see it right away but that with time and healing, it’s there for the taking if I’m open to it. Of course, at the time, I thought it’s just something people say to give you hope – something to cling to – though now I can see what they meant.
The good that I found and will look to foster and grow is compassion for and connection to other people. To hear them out when they have something that troubles them. To let them know that even though I can’t necessarily solve the issue they’re faced with, I can listen.
I can let them know I’m thinking of them by reaching out.
I can send them positive energy at their time of need.
I can show that I care.
And, I can feel for them – not just by saying the words that are expected – but by really feeling genuine emotion.
It would be great if by doing all of the above you could make things good and right for the people you know. Unfortunately, it doesn’t rid us of all the bad that’s out there but it does help those in your life to feel supported, to feel connected to other people and not so alone, and it sometimes can strengthen their resolve to tackle what lies ahead of them.
When I needed them, I had a handful of people that I could count on to be there for me. Now, I’ve learned that I can and want to be that person for others.
Have you discovered anything new about yourself recently?
