None of my discomfort was more important than the peace of those around me. Empathy was the key to keeping that peace. This may be the first time in my life — certainly in my memory — that I actually return from a holiday break feeling refreshed or recharged in any real way. I have you, in large part, to thank for that. Balance around Christmas, Empathy in Action, and Writing for the Reader.
Wow, great post jofty! I've been curious (key word here) about how empathy and stoicism in practice have helped you. Plus, love love SGT Plumley, totally get it. I want to share that I hate spontaneity with a passion and the way you handled the whole evening at dinner, what a milestone; on a small level I can appreciate the challenge. Curiosity has helped me to stay focused in large crowds, which I also despise; I focus on one thing or one person, perhaps two, and that gets me through the event. Curiosity brings me out of my head. :) Lastly, I'm so glad your Christmas was silent and perhaps...holy? Blessings and keep on~
Thank you, Rachael. That night was indeed a milestone! It also reinforced two important things I didn't specify above:
1) I am not "better" yet.
2) I am making tangible progress.
I need to keep both of these in mind going forward... and that ties right back in to avoiding over commitment and developing a rhythm for writing here on Substack. :)
Your thoughts on curiosity are particularly encouraging. That sounds like a useful tool to keep in my toolbox. Perhaps I should dust it off and use it more often. Next time I find myself in an appropriate situation, I'll try your tip of combining curiosity with a limited focus. 8^)
Wow, great post jofty! I've been curious (key word here) about how empathy and stoicism in practice have helped you. Plus, love love SGT Plumley, totally get it. I want to share that I hate spontaneity with a passion and the way you handled the whole evening at dinner, what a milestone; on a small level I can appreciate the challenge. Curiosity has helped me to stay focused in large crowds, which I also despise; I focus on one thing or one person, perhaps two, and that gets me through the event. Curiosity brings me out of my head. :) Lastly, I'm so glad your Christmas was silent and perhaps...holy? Blessings and keep on~
Thank you, Rachael. That night was indeed a milestone! It also reinforced two important things I didn't specify above:
1) I am not "better" yet.
2) I am making tangible progress.
I need to keep both of these in mind going forward... and that ties right back in to avoiding over commitment and developing a rhythm for writing here on Substack. :)
Your thoughts on curiosity are particularly encouraging. That sounds like a useful tool to keep in my toolbox. Perhaps I should dust it off and use it more often. Next time I find myself in an appropriate situation, I'll try your tip of combining curiosity with a limited focus. 8^)