You are currently viewing Empathy, Forgiveness, and Hope: Gifts You Can Give Year Round

Empathy, Forgiveness, and Hope: Gifts You Can Give Year Round

Empathy, forgiveness, and hope are gifts we can give all year long.

hope, connection

Empathy

Before I started my personal development journey, I wondered what the true difference between empathy and sympathy was, not the word definition difference, but the true feeling difference. Over the past six years, I have learned to feel the difference. I have learned to feel more deeply.

By definition, empathy is “the feeling that you understand and share another person’s experiences and emotions,” according to Webster.

Loneliness can have have a strange power over us. It tricks us into believing we are the only ones who are lonely. So we stifle the desire to share our most constant nagging fears and insecurities, while nearly every other human walking around does the same.

Jennie Allen in Nothing to Prove

To walk (or sit) with someone in their pain and darkness is truly a gift you can give all year round.

hope, empathy

In case you’re wondering on how to be more empathetic, here are a few ideas:

  • Show interest – ask questions
  • Acknowledge their story, pain, feelings
  • Be encouraging and supportive
  • Listen without trying to fix or solve the problem/pain
  • Holding out on judgement

Forgiveness

We don’t have to forget what has happened. We can choose to forgive.

Forgiveness is mandatory; reconciliation is optional.

Lysa TerKeurst in Unglued

Forgiveness is a beautiful gift to give to both yourself and the other person.

Hope

2020 has been quite a year, a rollercoaster of emotions, isolating, full of anxiety, depression, simple joys and pleasures, painful conversations, and lots of opportunities. Every day, especially this year, we have a choice to be kind, to ourselves, to our families, to strangers. It has a been a struggle for all of us. Connection and community are important – now more than ever. There is hope. We can give the gift of hope through connection.

We are so often dragged along in the darkness, unable to save ourselves from our thoughts and from our shame and from our mistakes.

Jennie Allen in Nothing to Prove

Do you believe in signs or messages? Whenever I hear a message or see a sign twice, I know I am meant to pay attention.

There is hope. There is another side. One foot in front of the other. Baby steps.

3 messages

  1. Keep going and never give up – My cousin gave me that saying engraved on a necklace. It’s kept where I can see it daily to remind me.
  2. Keep going, you’ve got this. I have a friend who makes cards and that saying is written on them, another daily reminder of hope.
  3. πŸ“š Know My Name πŸ“š by Chanel Miller…”I told myself what I wished I could’ve told them: You have to stay here.”
hope, keep going, community, connection

I know how isolating this year has been and how cut off depression makes you feel. Always know you can reach out to me, anytime. You aren’t alone. You have to stay here. Keep going, never give up, you’ve got this. Together we’re stronger. πŸ’– πŸ’–

For more ideas on how to navigate the mental mess, check out Juliette’s blog.

For more tips on managing your anxiety, check out Jeanne’s blog.

Dana Andalora

Dana Andalora is a wife, mom of 3, and a numbers girl. She resides in Maryland with her family. Dana is grateful to be in a virtual community with amazing like minded women. She is fascinated with learning and considers herself a personal and professional development junkie. As an expert bookkeeper and financial services provider for the past 15 years, Dana has helped business owners keep their records straight and create more space for profitable business to occur. She cherishes her relationships with clients, and loves helping business owners be more successful. Dana also treasures time in the sun and on the beach and plans to live near the water one day. Dana delights in traveling and has traveled to several states for business and womens retreats. She is excited to be part of the We Spot blog and looks forward to interacting with the readers.

Leave a Reply