Nicole, I try to stay in an empathetic zone, but there are times when anger seeps in, and I regret it. When I can make myself climb out my own bucket, I realize most of us are doing the best we can, and often those who are the unkindest among us, have hardships and burdens I can't comprehend. Easier said than done, of course. Thanks for the reminder.
Ironically enough, I had this same conversation with my therapist today. . And it reminds me of what my children's elementary school principal would say about parents. "They are doing the best that they can do." And of course, that is not always true but her meaning was that we don't know what they are going through and what they have to deal with. I do my best to cut people a break but of course, I am only human too. As in I just snapped at my husband for asking me for the 1000th time today "What are we doing tomorrow?"
It is hard to encounter people like the receptionist. I try to move on, but I can’t say it doesn’t rankle me a bit. But the upside is that when I do encounter a caring, giving person in that situation, I’m practically elated! And I always try to acknowledge how much I appreciate their help.
Great column. I agree, it is rarely about us. But it takes some maturity to understand that point.
It’s something I aspire to, certainly not something I get right all the time... Maturity is slow in coming. 😉
Nicole, I try to stay in an empathetic zone, but there are times when anger seeps in, and I regret it. When I can make myself climb out my own bucket, I realize most of us are doing the best we can, and often those who are the unkindest among us, have hardships and burdens I can't comprehend. Easier said than done, of course. Thanks for the reminder.
So much easier said than done...
Thank you, Nicole.
You're so welcome.
Ironically enough, I had this same conversation with my therapist today. . And it reminds me of what my children's elementary school principal would say about parents. "They are doing the best that they can do." And of course, that is not always true but her meaning was that we don't know what they are going through and what they have to deal with. I do my best to cut people a break but of course, I am only human too. As in I just snapped at my husband for asking me for the 1000th time today "What are we doing tomorrow?"
We are only human! I'm writing to myself more than anyone else. Who I want to be and who I am are still not the same person...
Bravo. I'll try too!
Thanks, Carol!
Thank you, Nicole. Wise words to yourself and to all of us. The kind of wisdom we all need to hear right now.
I’m so glad these words resonated with you. 🙏
It is hard to encounter people like the receptionist. I try to move on, but I can’t say it doesn’t rankle me a bit. But the upside is that when I do encounter a caring, giving person in that situation, I’m practically elated! And I always try to acknowledge how much I appreciate their help.