Compassion
Compassion is defined as sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. I would define it as having empathy for other people and what they may be going through. But what does that mean, exactly? What does it mean to be compassionate?
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, given everything that's happening in the world. People are getting sick, dying, losing their jobs, and suffering in ways that we may not even know. This, unfortunately, has become our new normal. It's scary and, at times, frustrating. Personally, I wake up every day completely unsure of how I'm going to get through the day. Will it be easy? Will I spend the whole day crying? Will I simply try to sleep and forget about it for just 1 day? There is no right answer... but there is wrong way to live life right now.
This past week I was sick. I woke up on Tuesday morning with a cough and chills. By Wednesday morning my back and chest were hurting. I had no way to find out if I was sick with the virus or if my body was fighting something else... but it was fighting something. It was scary. I live alone and was starting to run out of supplies and I was terrified that I'd get really sick and then just... well, we won't go there. As I started to tell people that I was feeling sick (either reaching out via text or simply tweeting about it), I began to hear from people I did not expect. People who owe me nothing were providing comfort. Friends started sending me supplies. My dad and stepmom sent me a care package. The outpouring of love and support was enough to give me the strength that I just didn't have anymore. My heart was completely full of joy.
However, at the same time, I was acutely aware of those that I have not heard from in the last 3 weeks. Friends that I assumed would check in... family members that you'd expect to hear from have been silent. Now, everyone is handling this situation in their own way, which is completely warranted. And while I have seen amazing things and great acts of kindness, I have also seen a severe lack of compassion from others. Selfish people, unfortunately, will always be selfish, but when the world is crying out in pain, it doesn't hurt you to maybe open your heart just a tiny bit.
I've never understood why compassion and empathy for others is so hard for people. Maybe it's because I'm a caring person. Maybe it's the Hufflepuff in me. Maybe it's just who I am. And, yes, I can be selfish... we all can. It's human nature to want to put yourself first. But if you're able to even give a kind word or a nod of encouragement to another person, why is it so hard for some people to do this? It doesn't take an ounce of energy to be a kind person.
A thought that has been sticking in my head is something someone said to me a week ago...
I've been thinking about this a lot lately, given everything that's happening in the world. People are getting sick, dying, losing their jobs, and suffering in ways that we may not even know. This, unfortunately, has become our new normal. It's scary and, at times, frustrating. Personally, I wake up every day completely unsure of how I'm going to get through the day. Will it be easy? Will I spend the whole day crying? Will I simply try to sleep and forget about it for just 1 day? There is no right answer... but there is wrong way to live life right now.
This past week I was sick. I woke up on Tuesday morning with a cough and chills. By Wednesday morning my back and chest were hurting. I had no way to find out if I was sick with the virus or if my body was fighting something else... but it was fighting something. It was scary. I live alone and was starting to run out of supplies and I was terrified that I'd get really sick and then just... well, we won't go there. As I started to tell people that I was feeling sick (either reaching out via text or simply tweeting about it), I began to hear from people I did not expect. People who owe me nothing were providing comfort. Friends started sending me supplies. My dad and stepmom sent me a care package. The outpouring of love and support was enough to give me the strength that I just didn't have anymore. My heart was completely full of joy.
However, at the same time, I was acutely aware of those that I have not heard from in the last 3 weeks. Friends that I assumed would check in... family members that you'd expect to hear from have been silent. Now, everyone is handling this situation in their own way, which is completely warranted. And while I have seen amazing things and great acts of kindness, I have also seen a severe lack of compassion from others. Selfish people, unfortunately, will always be selfish, but when the world is crying out in pain, it doesn't hurt you to maybe open your heart just a tiny bit.
I've never understood why compassion and empathy for others is so hard for people. Maybe it's because I'm a caring person. Maybe it's the Hufflepuff in me. Maybe it's just who I am. And, yes, I can be selfish... we all can. It's human nature to want to put yourself first. But if you're able to even give a kind word or a nod of encouragement to another person, why is it so hard for some people to do this? It doesn't take an ounce of energy to be a kind person.
A thought that has been sticking in my head is something someone said to me a week ago...
"When all this is other, I won't forget those that were there for me... and those that weren't."
I absolutely will not forget the people who showed me kindness and compassion, even when they absolutely did not have to... and I will not forget those that haven't. We are all suffering, some more than others. Society as we know it has changed and that means that the way you approach the world also needs to change. Those that are not able to make this change will not be forgotten for their lack of willingness to show up.
Be kind.
Help others where you can.
Say hi.
Say thank you.
Send a friend a ♡.
Make someone else's day.
- Danielle
