THANKFUL FOR: COMPASSION

What a week. What a week. WHAT A WEEK. Between the two tests I had, and the weather in Texas feeling too close to summer, I have felt very off. Despite little sleep and lots going on, there has been one word and characteristic on my mind: compassion. 

Compassion was something that I had to study this past week for one of my exams, but I had been thinking about it since we first discussed it in class several weeks back.  Compassion is a profound feeling plus a desired action. It’s offering supportive companionship in times of distress. Those who are compassionate in turn understand the importance of empathy. Empathy is having a deep understating of the feelings of others. I am not trying to talk highly of myself, but after learning and studying this characteristic, I believe I am a compassionate person. Possibly sometimes a little too compassionate...if that is a thing. This week while procrastinating I took this random Facebook quiz that was supposed to tell me “what you should take a break from” here is what it said:  (see below) 

Okay, not going to lie, I ending up sharing this because I feel like it was a somewhat accurate result. Regardless I am realizing that in my life I have a very hard time not caring for others or about things. it’s like I physically cannot. I don’t think it is a bad thing, but truthfully some days it makes me exhausted. I guess that is what you get for having a big heart. What I am learning is that I have a very hard time relating with those whom are not compassionate, which is why this topic covered in class was so eye-opening to me. Therefore, I figured I should share. 

The first step to being more compassionate is communicating it. Hello!!!  Welcome to the life of a strategic COMMUNICATIONS major with a COMMUNICATIONS studies minor. You can communicate with your friends and family verbally, nonverbally, or behaviorally. Here are some examples: 

Verbally: 
Identify with them and let them know you see what is going on. 
Acknowledge their feelings. 
Assure them of your companionship. “We’re in this together.” 
Express hope. “It is not going to be easy, but we will get through this together.” 
Provide assistance. “I will do anything I can to help you get through this.” *be committed 

Nonverbally: 
Hug them
Pat them on the back
Be a good listener
Be physically present even if silence is all that is happening

Behaviorally: 
Take them food or dessert. 
Offer them a ride to the doctor if they are sick. 
Send a kind text or call and leave a voicemail. 
“What can I help you do?” 

When you do these things, when you are compassionate, everyone will benefit. There will always be a positive effect. The recipient will feel released of stress and worry of whatever they are going through. They will or they should be deeply grateful. After going through something with someone it will grow your friendship in a great way and your bond will be stronger. Those who are showing compassion will have the sense that comes with doing the right thing. Nothing feels better. 

Be a sensitive, caring friend who notices others and not just themselves. Always try and do what you can to make things better. This is how I have always felt, but reading it in a text book shocked me to know I was doing the right thing in showing compassion as much as possible. I also do know a thing or two about being disappointed when not receiving that compassion back when you need it. It’s disappointing and not fair, but a compassionate person should NEVER expect anything in return. Again, we should be compassionate because we know in our hears that it is the right thing to do. 

Maybe I took some of this straight from my class notes, but I know my professor would be proud. I think about my friend Taylor who was so compassionate and I wanted to share what I was learning because I see a need in my life and in this world for my compassion. Think about it for a second...What is the most companionate thing you have ever done? Would you consider yourself a compassionate person? Take this and go out striving to be more compassionate to those around you. Compassion inspires compassion. 

I am grateful that I could learn about this in a classroom. I am grateful to be a compassionate person. I am grateful that I can share this characteristic and its importance with you. 

Empathy + compassion = a kind person. 

Stay thankful. Be compassionate. 

Yours Truly,