Connection matters.
When we are struggling or going through something difficult, it helps to know that we are not alone.
If someone has shared their struggles with you, empathy is a powerful way to respond.
Empathy is:
- listening
- looking for the emotion/feeling that someone is experiencing
- communicating that emotion that you've noticed back to them
- holding back from trying to fix things or make them feel better
- letting them know they are not alone
Empathy and sympathy are not the same thing.
Watch this video by Brené Brown for a quick explanation of the difference:
I love that perspective:
"Rarely can a response make something better. What makes something better is connection.” (Brené Brown)
People aren't usually looking for a magic response that will fix everything. They are looking for connection; to know they are not alone in whatever they are facing.
Empathy is a skill we can learn and practice, which means we won't always get it right, but there are always more opportunities to practice and grow.
For reflection:
Who are you aware of right now that might need some empathy?
Practice listening and letting them know they are not alone.