Learning Challenge : Watching Someone With Empathy



In my personal opinion, and in the opinion of many others, one of the most selfless things a person can do is have a child. I truly believe that mothers caring for their children is one of the most virtuous things anyone can do for another, and empathy plays a huge role in this.

I have gotten the challenge to reflect on people this week that shows empathy, and I cannot think of anyone who is more empathetic than my mother. She has a full-time job, is the booster-club president for THREE of my brother's sports, junior league president, caring for her elderly parents, and she STILL has time and energy to care for my brother and I. No matter how tired she is, she is always empathetic when I am tired or struggling. My mother never tries to compete with us about who is more frustrated or exhausted (because she would win every time), but she is patient enough to let us talk about it.

I am so thankful for her wonderful example of empathy. She has taught me to treat all people as valuable; she always reminds my brother and me that we truly do not know what others are going through. Each person as their own story, and empathizing with people will allow them to feel comforted and loved. Because my mom makes me feel this way, I want others to feel that as well.

One of my favorite examples of my mom's empathy was when I was in middle school. During that time, middle-school girls are always consumed with drama and small things that get in the way of school. I remember going to my mom about things that were happening at school, and she would always listen and care for me. Looking back, I don't even remember specific examples for this blog post, so obviously they were not very important. Even so, my mom spent so much time telling me that I was valued and loved; this is what I remember.

I hope that one day I will be a mother like my mother. I have been so blessed to be a part of a family that values empathy!


 Image: this is my mom and me at a Ranger's game in Arlington this summer

Comments

  1. UnknownDecember 4, 2017 at 12:20 PM

    Hi Leigh. Your mom sounds amazing. I can't imagine have all of those responsibilities and still having the time and energy to take care of a family on top of it all. She seems like the perfect example for this learning challenge. Empathy can be hard to come by sometimes, I am glad you shared this about your mother!

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