Empathy

4.9.25

I was watching a show last night and it reminded me to be empathetic to others because I don’t know what they are going through. They could be having the worst day or week of their life and need grace. It’s also possible they’re just an asshole, but I’m trying to stay positive.

It’s easy to be empathetic when I see someone in emotional or physical pain. I automatically want to soothe and comfort them. I need to work on being empathetic when I can’t see obvious signs. That is when empathy is probably needed and overlooked the most. When I was in active addiction, I was so ashamed my life was out of control and did everything possible to hide it and appear in control. I didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for me and mistook genuine care, concern, and empathy from even the people closest to me for pity.

I tossed and turned all night waiting for an overdue appraisal, ready to jump out of bed at any time and deliver it to my team. I woke up this morning to an email instead that there are yet more issues, and it won’t be ready for another couple of days. So here I am drinking my coffee and trying to put myself in the other person’s shoes, trying to be empathetic, when I really want to poke their eyes out for making my life hell the rest of the week.

Today I am going to practice empathy in this work situation. Empathy for the appraiser, my co-workers, the buyers, the sellers, the realtors. Mostly for Celeste who is going to hear the unempathetic side with lots of colorful and descriptive words. I can already hear her giggling from another State at me!