the power of E M P A T H Y

More often than not as humans we immediately form an opinion or make judgement about another person, without really knowing their story. We think we can tell so much by how someone carries themselves, how they dress, how they talk, or what their interests are. Seldom do we get to know where somebody came from and all of the little things that add up to make them who they are, before we decide what we think their life is all about.

Recently I was staring this situation directly in the face.

There is a lady that I have spent several days around, only having small spirts of conversations with here and there, but otherwise many hours in each other's presence. She is strong, passionate, kind, full of love and full of life. Her energy radiates to everyone in the room and her smile and laughter could make an army weak at the knees.

I had no idea. 

I had no idea the hurt she really feels, the struggles she faces every single day just to get out of bed, the strength she must possess at all times to get through each day, and so much more. I found myself pulled in like a magnet at the start of her story, not having any idea where it would lead. It began with a simple question of "why" that I asked, just because I was curious. I had no idea she was longing for someone to listen and just feel for her. All she wanted in that moment was for someone to feel a little empathy.

I think that we have all been in a situation like this before where we must distinguish between sympathy and empathy. People don't always need us to feel bad for them. They simply need us to feel for them. 

Webster's Dictionary defines empathy as the feeling that you understand and share another person's experiences and emotions; the ability to share someone else's feelings. I find the picture below to be a strong visual representation of empathy and what it looks like to obtain it.

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empathy

Empathy is powerful in relationships as well as advertising. It's that little piece that pulls on everyone's heartstrings and makes us all feel a little less like 'the only one.' It doesn't matter if you are buying a particular product or having a rough day; empathy is a powerhouse in so many situations in our world and in order to use it to it's full potential, we must first bridge the gap between you and me.