Empowered Compassion

I listen to CDs with inspirational speakers.  They are a great way to encourage positive input and learn from smart people.  One speaker in particular had just had a baby and ended up crying throughout her entire speech.  The audience responded in sweet understanding tears, meanwhile, I turned to Marcus and stated, "Wow, she is going to be embarrassed tomorrow!"  My skin was crawling for her as she continued in her overemotional speech.  Many months later (i.e. two days ago), I listened to the same CD again.  When she started in her heartfelt story, instead of cringing, I teared up and listened to her words intently.  The change in my reaction almost startled me.  What allows for this difference?

It was then that I found out something cool.  It was me.  I had changed and gotten stronger.  Instead of feeling sorry for her, I felt honored that she would share a piece of her heart with others.  It was my strength in myself that allowed me to glean the importance of her speech without my own insecurities getting in my way.  You see, people reflect their heart.  I was (and still am to a point) embarrassed about demonstrating any sort of behavior that is controversial.  Emotions are very controversial, so I am very apt to feel insecure and embarrassed when I display them.  I reflected this embarrassment onto her.  Ever heard the phrase hurt people hurt people?  This is such a good indication of how we as humans operate.  

We operate in a world where we innately believe everyone thinks and feels the way that we do.  That is fortunately and unfortunately not the case.  You determine which one it is.  

My point is, however, that we need to learn to operate in a loving mentality, primarily to us.  When we are able to love ourselves effectively, loving others naturally come.  The more you dislike yourself, the more you will dislike others.  Someone once told me that we don't like the traits in others that we don't like about ourselves.  Are you too pushy?  Chances are that pushy people will be some of the most irritating people to you.  It is amazing how people become so much more likable when we have a love for yourself.  Seeing as how being around others is practically inevitable, do yourself a favor and love you.  At the very least it will make life so much more fun.

"Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." -Deuteronomy 31:6