life, philosophy

Empathy

Lori

Intently listening is an act of kindness toward another. When someone needs to share, providing a listening ear can offer warmth and comfort.

nana-pie wm
With the best of intention, wanting to jump in and fix the other person’s situation may come to the forefront. Even with those best intentions, they may cause further upset if advice or action aren’t warranted or asked for by the person sharing.  Sometimes the greatest need is to be heard, respected and accepted exactly where we are.

A listening ear and warm shoulder is often the greatest gift we can offer.

~ Paraphrased from DailyWord

I had a different post scheduled today regarding what I posted last week. Given that today is voting day (for me), I didn’t feel it was appropriate yet. Come back next week to find out why. In the mean time, I thought this empathy quote was wonderful and wanted to share it.

Published by Lori

Observer, thinker, learner, analyzer, and author. Love dogs. Enjoy cooking, laughing and spiritual centering.

11 thoughts on “Empathy”

  1. Pingback: No Speaking Please | Lori's Lane

  2. I love solving people’s problems and it’s got me into a lot of heated arguments too. I prefer to listen and care rather than solve problems now. Have a great weekend Lori! 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I think what happens is that there are “fixers” and there are “listeners.” I have both in my life. I think we need each, but I’m learning who to go to when I need a “fix” and who to go to when I need a “listener.” Thanks for sharing your experience, Seyi. You have a great weekend, too.

      Liked by 1 person

    1. OMG, I just got back from getting my hair done and saw what my dad wrote. Now you know where I got that non-filter thing. Haha. Not only that, but he nearly gave away the topic of my next week’s post.

      I imagine in your line of work, Jill, you do a lot of what this post suggests. Although, I know it goes much deeper, this is certainly part of it.

      Thanks for reading, Miss Jill.

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  4. I love that quote. It’s our nature to want to help people solve their problems, but often that’s not what they’re asking for at all. They simply want someone to listen to them.

    Hehe, the comment from your dad made me smile.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. OMG, I just got back from getting my hair done and saw what my dad wrote. Now you know where I got that non-filter thing. Haha. Not only that, but he nearly gave away the topic of my next week’s post.

      DailyWord devotionals have great quotes. I read them every day. They are actually affirmations written in the first person, but I change them around a bit so they are generic for everyone to relate. I know that sometimes, people just want to be understood and validated, including me.

      Thanks for reading, Carrie.

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  5. Hi Lori

    I got the posting and I hope I do listen when you talk. Meanwhile you have to tell me some day what the embarrassing moments you had at my Brunch. I am assuming it was the Brunch you were referring to.

    GO KASICH!!!!

    Love

    DAD

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Kasich. Like he’s got a chance. Ha. BTW, the post I wanted you to read (that I mentioned in your card, has been postponed to next week. Come back to read it then.

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    1. Well, it’s the DailyWord devotional where I got this from about empathy, and I agree, it is so true. Sometimes we just want to be understood. Thanks for reading, Anneli.

      Liked by 1 person

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