Empathy

Most days it's a gift. And I can say that because I realize that not everyone can have the same understanding like I do. In the past few years I've read a lot about empathy and being empathetic and what that means to one's life. And I've come to cherish it a lot more as I age. Basically, the definition of empathy or empathetic is that you're sensitive to just about everything. That doesn't mean you're weak or childlike, which is another way often described by inane individuals who don't and/or refuse to understand. It's helped me in a lot of ways mostly on a spiritual level. I can sense when a 'dark cloud' is about to form just before an argument unleashes. Some people would say to that. 'So what, I can too'. It's not the same, at all. My question to those who mock us is, 'Can you tell when a fight will break out before those participating are in the room?'. I'm not psychic so I can't tell you who's emotions I'm feeling, I just feel them. One of the most memorable moments I have is when a friend of mine got a paper-cut and we both felt it at the same time. Little things like that work in my favor because I can mentally prepare myself for what's about to happen. And that can work in many scenarios. And it kind of feels like being in a secret club. I'm in tune with people in a way one can only imagine.

You know how some things are too good to be true? That's because they usually are and here's why it can be a burden. It's challenging to say the least because, for me, sometimes I can't easily depict my emotions from someone else's. When I was younger it was especially difficult because I didn't know how to describe what I was feeling. Sometimes, suddenly I would feel sad or angry although I knew it wasn't coming from me. It was like I was being channeled emotionally to and from another person. And I have to say sadness is the worst. Crying for seemingly no reason until I turn the corner and see someone so distressed they're sobbing on the ground. My first instinct is to flee the scene, depending on if they're alone or not. For an instant all of my senses are heightened and numerous times it has lead to many panic attacks. Another time I felt a sharp pain in my leg and I didn't think I could walk around without hopping. I later found out my mom had a joint condition. And we both had the pain in the same leg, the left one I think. So, as I end this rant I only want you to take one thing away from this excerpt. Next time you're out in public, try and see if you can 'feel' everything and anything that's around you. You may learn a few things.