HAVE A LITTLE EMPATHY

We are vastly different in how we look, feel, act, think, and believe.  But we all share one thing in common, our need for empathy.  Empathy can be described as a respectful understanding of someone's unique experiences, thoughts, and feelings.  Empathy is the abililty to put yourself in someone's elses shoes and let go of your judgement.  We have a need to be heard and understood by others.  Think back to a time when your need for empathy was met and how it made you feel to know that the other person was able to understand where you were coming from. Often the most memorable moments are the ones where someone totally opposite of you or a complete stranger provided empathy.  Empathy does not require you to agree with the other person.  Your beliefs and values make you who you are just as they do for someone else.

I challenge you to remember empathy when dealing with others. Sometimes just listening to someone without judgement, criticism, or fixing can provide a path for a connection.  You may find that embracing empathy can open your heart and mind to the uniqueness of the world around you.

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