One of the characteristics I most admire today, is that of empathy. Especially since so many in our world are getting by with less. Do you know what I mean? “In your face” conspicuous consumption doesn’t sit real well with me at this time, considering our economic conditions. It’s not as though I feel like I need to apologize for my own success and good fortune. It’s more about understanding that I don’t need to rub it in anyone’s face.

I know that sympathy and empathy are some times confused. So I researched on line, to find a more accurate distinction of the differences between the two words. “Empathy can best be described as feeling with the person. Notice the distinction between for and with, (as in the case of sympathy). To an extent you are placing yourself in that person’s place, have a good sense of what they feel, and understand their feelings to a degree.”

If we’re not careful, if we don’t climb out of our own bodies, and join the community we live in, once in a while, it’s easy to disengage and forget that others may not relate.

It reminds me of the saying: People may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel. Isn’t that the truth?

No, I’m not Mother Teresa. I’m just saying, it’s always better to
Listen more than we talk.
Ask instead of tell.
Give instead of take.
Walk in the other’s shoes.
If only for a moment.

Do you know what I mean?