Friday, May 19, 2017

Compassion versus Empathy

Always thought I was a empathetic person when I suddenly realized empathy and compassion are two different things.

Compassion was the desire to help those in pain or trouble - very honorable and useful for my role as a mommy but completely useless when it comes to managing life.

Compassion.. first to the self was the golden rule which I had quietly forgotten.

When I found my sight fading and breath quickening on that day outside the foot orthotic store, I recognized that compassion wouldn't save my life or get me to my goals.

Empathy would.

Empathy has an element of logic attached to it - an understanding which meant I could decide how or when to help/feel/speak.

If one is juggling many roles like I am, the foundation used to make decisions is everything.

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