There is something troubling in our society that is very concerning. It’s becoming more noticeable, and it’s frightening…the lack of empathy and compassion. Have you witnessed this in your life? If so, what do you think when you see the absence of compassion?
When we are no longer able to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we lose out on the opportunity to make a difference. I don’t know if this issue is due to selfishness or simply the busy lifestyles we lead, but it certainly is frightening to me, whatever the reason. Aren’t we supposed to help each other and lift each other up? Lately, I have seen more of this in everyday encounters than I ever have.
Childhood Sporting Events
Anyone who has attended a child’s sporting event has probably witnessed an adult who has demonstrated less than stellar behavior toward others. Sometimes, the rudeness and the lack of compassion shown for the players on the field is shocking. I wonder if these parents would appreciate having insults slung at their child. Not every player on the field or on the court is All-Star material. That’s just life. But those kids are part of the team too. They are likely doing the best they can. If the players are having a bad day, they certainly don’t need a hot-headed adult on the sideline yelling at them.
What do children learn from this behavior? That it is it okay to kick a person when they are down? Wouldn’t it be better to offer a “you can do this” from the sideline? A little encouragement, please. It baffles me.
The Elderly And Compassion
I have visited quite a few personal-care and nursing homes throughout the last decade and was completely dumbfounded by the lack of respect given to our elderly population in some of these facilities. In others, the elderly received excellent care, right down to hugs and kisses on the cheek, no matter what type of day the caretaker was having.
For caregivers, empathy and compassion should be the number one priority. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Sometimes, the way our elderly population is treated falls into the category of abuse. The absence of compassion for elderly patients, some of whom are unable to do anything for themselves, is inexcusable. I know many of these caregivers are overworked, often understaffed, and underpaid. There are many, many kind and compassionate nurses and aides who, no matter what their situation, still provide quality care.
We will all grow old one day, God willing, and may find ourselves in this situation ourselves. I don’t know about you, but I want a kind, compassionate person caring for me if I ever need one. We can only hope that our caregivers will realize that not so long ago we were also young and vibrant.
One day, after doing my grocery shopping, a middle-aged woman was helping her elderly mother out of the car and the older woman fell. As I was getting back out of my car to assist, a man walked by, looked right at these folks who clearly needed help, turned away, and kept walking. It was very disheartening to witness. Fortunately, the woman’s daughter and I were able to get the woman off the ground and she wasn’t hurt.
Consider Compassion
None of us are perfect; I know I’m not! We have bad days, physical ailments, busy schedules and a lot on our minds. Doing the right thing isn’t always easy, and it certainly isn’t always convenient, but just one act of kindness, even if it’s simply a smile or a hello, can make a huge difference in someone else’s life. The impact we have on others can be life-changing!
No matter how frustrating life can be, exercising empathy and compassion in our daily interaction with others is important. It takes us away from our own thoughts and problems to focus on someone else. In the process, it softens our hearts and makes us happier people. I have seen people light up at a simple ‘hello, how are you today?’ Other people shoot you a dirty look, but you cannot help that! At the end of the day, taking the time to think about another human being is beneficial to you and the other person.
Do you know the fun part? You may learn something! Talking with an elderly person can be the best education around. Hearing about the depression, World War II, their courtship, and their family can be so interesting and entertaining!
When I see someone lacking empathy or compassion, I honestly feel sorry for the person. It’s a shame that something in their life has them so jaded. As an adult, I finally understand why my Gram would look at a mean, miserable person and say sadly, “I pity her.”
A large part of justorganizemylife.com is focused on inner peace and happiness which enables us to experience life to its fullest and get organized from the inside out.
Until Next Time,
April
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So COMPASSIONATELY written. Coming from a nursing background, as you are, I see the lack of compassion sneaking into our society and the care of our elderly. I always strived to be compassionate in my life; both socially and professionally. Keep the wonderful compassion in your life April.
Thank you, Elaine! In our profession, it is troubling to see. Patients depend on us. Compassion and empathy are part of the job, even when caring for difficult people. You are compassionate in every way, and so very kind!