Every time I watch your videos and how you address the topics , I instantly wish I lived closer so we could go sit in a coffee shop/bookstore and talk!
I talk about empathy often with my leadership team, especially when it comes to conflict resolution. Some of them get it and some of them choose not to practice it. I also talk a lot with my husband about empathy, he says he's becoming less empathetic the older we get, and I always argue that it's patience he's losing, not empathy :)
A time that stands out to me when I feel like I really practiced empathy was with one of the executive producers here at my station, she is originally from Maui so when the fires happened there we sent her to cover the stories. It took a massive toll on her and when she returned she sat in my office for about an hour, trying to calm herself so that she could write the story. My heart broke for her and I knew I could not fix any of it, but I let her know she wasn't alone in it, that I was there and listening and would always sit with her whenever she needed it. I have found that one of the best and most empathetic things we can do for someone is listen to them. Really listen and do our best to understand where they are at in the moment and where they've come from.
I really loved how you said it's about remaining open - I started nodding profusely at you even though you can't see me! :)
A dear friend of mine is really great at empathy with me, during a recent health scare she listened and didn't try to fix it or sweep it away or just say I'm sorry. She volunteered to go get the tests with me so that I wouldn't be alone. My husband is great at that too, when I had to have hand surgery it was during covid times and he wasn't allowed in the back with me to wait. I thought he was going to go home, and just come get me once it was over, but he ended up texting me from the parking lot saying he was still outside and would be the entire time. Again, that feeling of not being alone. I think that's the crux of empathy as you so beautifully explained.
Thanks so much for everything you share, K! I appreciate you!! And love you!! :)
Mesa you moved me to tears (again). Thank you so much for reading and opening up about your experiences both giving and receiving true empathy. I feel your presence and empathy across this platform and I know that everyone lucky enough to be on your pathway receives just the best, most comforting and compassionate empathy from you.
I wish that we lived closer together too, and I am so thankful that we get to spend time together here on Substack.
May we all be granted more peace, health, and open minded-ness on this journey. 🕊️☯️🐬
I really enjoyed this! I remember the first time I heard Brene Brown distinguish between empathy and sympathy, and it blew my mind. Your video was a great reminder. And I added the book to my cart! 📚
Thank you so much for watching- and I had the same experience when I read Dr. Brown’s breakdown behind sympathy vs empathy. I am so deeply grateful to have you here- thank you for taking the time to comment and if you end up buying the journal I would love to know your feedback!! Happy Saturday, Jenn ✨
Resisting the urge to flip into fix-it mode is something I have to constantly be aware of. It tends to be my default, but that has caused problems in the past. I read a tweet some time ago where the author said he and his wife ask each other, “Do you want comfort or solutions?” I guess that could count as being curious and not judging. It can be a good question to ask while learning more about the story or problem.
Thank you so much for sharing here with us and I love this open minded approach to holding space for others. My husband has started to ask me the same when I need support too 💓 sometimes it’s not a solution we need, just a witness to the experience.
Every time I watch your videos and how you address the topics , I instantly wish I lived closer so we could go sit in a coffee shop/bookstore and talk!
I talk about empathy often with my leadership team, especially when it comes to conflict resolution. Some of them get it and some of them choose not to practice it. I also talk a lot with my husband about empathy, he says he's becoming less empathetic the older we get, and I always argue that it's patience he's losing, not empathy :)
A time that stands out to me when I feel like I really practiced empathy was with one of the executive producers here at my station, she is originally from Maui so when the fires happened there we sent her to cover the stories. It took a massive toll on her and when she returned she sat in my office for about an hour, trying to calm herself so that she could write the story. My heart broke for her and I knew I could not fix any of it, but I let her know she wasn't alone in it, that I was there and listening and would always sit with her whenever she needed it. I have found that one of the best and most empathetic things we can do for someone is listen to them. Really listen and do our best to understand where they are at in the moment and where they've come from.
I really loved how you said it's about remaining open - I started nodding profusely at you even though you can't see me! :)
A dear friend of mine is really great at empathy with me, during a recent health scare she listened and didn't try to fix it or sweep it away or just say I'm sorry. She volunteered to go get the tests with me so that I wouldn't be alone. My husband is great at that too, when I had to have hand surgery it was during covid times and he wasn't allowed in the back with me to wait. I thought he was going to go home, and just come get me once it was over, but he ended up texting me from the parking lot saying he was still outside and would be the entire time. Again, that feeling of not being alone. I think that's the crux of empathy as you so beautifully explained.
Thanks so much for everything you share, K! I appreciate you!! And love you!! :)
Mesa you moved me to tears (again). Thank you so much for reading and opening up about your experiences both giving and receiving true empathy. I feel your presence and empathy across this platform and I know that everyone lucky enough to be on your pathway receives just the best, most comforting and compassionate empathy from you.
I wish that we lived closer together too, and I am so thankful that we get to spend time together here on Substack.
May we all be granted more peace, health, and open minded-ness on this journey. 🕊️☯️🐬
This is gold !
🥹 thank you Laura! 🥳
I really enjoyed this! I remember the first time I heard Brene Brown distinguish between empathy and sympathy, and it blew my mind. Your video was a great reminder. And I added the book to my cart! 📚
Thank you so much for watching- and I had the same experience when I read Dr. Brown’s breakdown behind sympathy vs empathy. I am so deeply grateful to have you here- thank you for taking the time to comment and if you end up buying the journal I would love to know your feedback!! Happy Saturday, Jenn ✨
Resisting the urge to flip into fix-it mode is something I have to constantly be aware of. It tends to be my default, but that has caused problems in the past. I read a tweet some time ago where the author said he and his wife ask each other, “Do you want comfort or solutions?” I guess that could count as being curious and not judging. It can be a good question to ask while learning more about the story or problem.
Hi Jennifer!
Thank you so much for sharing here with us and I love this open minded approach to holding space for others. My husband has started to ask me the same when I need support too 💓 sometimes it’s not a solution we need, just a witness to the experience.
So important! Great video! ❤️❤️❤️
🤍🕊️🤍 thank you for watching it!!
Words of wisdom 💎
🙏✨🐞