Reflection Eight: EMPATHY

Having empathy means to have the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It allows you to step into their shoes and to acknowledge, relate and understand where they are coming from, even if you haven't directly experienced the situation for yourself. Having empathy is different to having sympathy, which unlike empathy, does not necessarily connect you to the person or what they are feeling.

Research Professor, Brené Brown outlines in her book, Thought it Was Just Me (But It Isn't) (2008), four different attributes of empathy:

1. To be able to see the world as others see it

2. To be nonjudgmental

3. To understand another person’s feelings

4. To be able to communicate your understanding of that person’s feelings

Aiming to be a more empathetic person is something we should all strive to be. We can start by being kinder, more patient, more giving, and more supportive to each other.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE:

Listen, understand and connect more with those that you hold dear. Check in on someone you love today!