Empathy

em.path.y

noun

              the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

I think it’s pretty hard to be an empath right now. There is so much crazy shit going on in the world, and all of us are being inundated with the fears of our friends and families. For some, there is the growing fear of COVID-19. Others are worried about Trump, and how he is leading our country. Some even have families in China, or Asian friends who are being wrongly targeted. Still others might be dealing with the anxiety and panic that comes with no warning.

I hear all of you. It’s tough to be overly emotional and to “take on” the woes of the world.

Here’s the thing about empathy, though – it can be dangerous if not managed. According to Psychology Today, “Too much empathy, sometimes known as empathy fatigue or compassion fatigue, can be detrimental to one’s well-being, and can interfere with rational decision-making…” In other words, being too empathetic can cause you to lead with your heart, and not with your head.

I’ve found that since social distancing and self-quarantine has progressed, I have spent more and more time on Facebook. I was so ashamed to have noticed the other day that TWO HOURS had passed while I was screwing around on my phone. I was so wrapped up in everyone else’s world, that I forgot mine was passing by. I was on my stomach, in my bed, commenting on everyone and their brother’s posts, while ignoring everything that is REAL.

I have empathy fatigue, man. I need a little emotional freedom.

OK, so I get the irony. I’ve written this and posted it on Facebook (insert long sigh here). With this post, I am also pledging to spend more time on writing, walking, riding my bike, laughing with Jameson, playing with my dogs, and cooking goodies. I promise to limit my Facebooking and concentrate on staying happy and healthy. Hey, it’s not that I don’t care about all of you… I just have to practice more self-care.

My heart is with you all. Stay safe and practice your own self-care.