Empathy and Forgiveness

Hi. I’m Creative Curt. Welcome to the 6th Edition of “Why Some People Win,” a career newsletter providing helpful tips and tricks for building an amazing career and having authentic professional relationships.?

This week, we are discussing Empathy and Forgiveness. Enjoy this snack-sized read.?

Empathy is Power

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines Empathy as, “the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner” (Empathy, Merriam-Webster.com).?

Many great leaders are empathetic to those they serve. Those leaders are willing to take on the feelings and emotions of their customers or clients and provide them a means for solving their problems. One of my heroes is Dr. Martin Luther King. He fundamentally changed the way African Americans are treated, the rights they have and the opportunities available for them to pursue a decent life. Are these things perfect? No. But they are significantly better because MLK took on the burden of a nation (USA). He empathized with his community.??

Think of a politician you admire. Politicians often spend time talking with their constituents to understand how they are feeling, their concerns and how they can better serve their supporters. Often, those who win in politics are the ones with the highest capability of communicating their empathy for those they serve. Two politicians that come to mind are former President's, Barrack Obama and Donald Trump. You may not agree with either one of these people, but you cannot deny their impact on America and the world, for better or worse.?mpathy is power. The more you can understand a person or population of people, the more influence you will have. Right now, you have opportunities to increase your power and influence at your job through empathy. It pays to spend time chatting by the water cooler or in the break room with your coworkers. Sympathizing or just acknowledging others is a great way to be empathetic. The best communication is often actively listening. The more you listen, the more likely those around you will come to you for support and help. So do not fake the funk. You never know what someone is going through, and you may never know how a simple acknowledgment could turn someone's day from bad to good. Listen and care for others. It can only help you.?

Now Get Involved!?

Imagine that you are running for a political office.??

Who would vote for you???

Would voting for you be a smart decision???

Do people trust you???

Do others think you are effective??

If you do not like your answers to these questions, then it is time to get to work and improve your relationships with others. Start looking for ways you can help at your job or in your community. Now is the time to get involved in departmental projects or a non-profit project to serve your community. Yes, it costs you time, energy and even money to helps others, but I guarantee in the long run, it is worth it. Do you see a problem or issue that needs more attention? Maybe the universe is trying to tell you to get involved.? Life has a way of working out for those who tend to help others. Oftentimes, you get out of life what you put into it. This also goes for relationships.?

Forgiving is Freedom?

The next topic I'd like to discuss this week is forgiving others, especially those who have wronged you. This is not a easy thing to think about or practice. In life, we are faced with unfair circumstances and deal with people who do not have our best intentions in mind. Others take advantage of our kindness or maliciously try to hurt us emotionally or otherwise. If we harbor every negative word or action done to us, we will get sick. The best thing we can do is learn to forgive those people and situations. Many religions and faiths talk about forgiveness. ?Try finding healthy ways to cope in theses situations. A few examples could be therapy, prayer, exercise, meditation. Either one of these suggestions will do wonders for you especially when faced with a situation when you need to forgive others. Over time, problems can get easier and even if they do not get better, your response to the problem can improve.?

Forgiving is Not Forgetting?

Now, “Momma ain't raise no fool.” Forgiving is healthy but, forgetting can lead you right back into the same trap. Learn to let go of the pain you feel about a person or situation. But please, do not forget. As the expression goes, “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.” Do not get fooled again. When people show you who they are, believe them. This goes for both professional and personal relationships. ??

What are you coping mechanisms for dealing with difficult people or situations??

Do you have a story worth sharing??

How do you show empathy towards others??

Please feel free to comment and share.?

Until next time, Stay Blessed.?

Creative Curt?

Works Cited?

?“Empathy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathy. Accessed 30 Aug. 2022.