A little empathy goes a long way.

It seems we live in a world of self-focus, diversity and judgement so it's important to balance this out with a little kindness and empathy.

Sometimes people find it difficult to think of others due to the fast paced world in which we live. Yet taking the time to walk in another's shoes, especially during times of hardship, is one of the best gifts we can offer someone who may be dealing with a challenging burden.

Whether we acknowledge it to ourselves or not, we ALL endure hardship. Sometimes it's transparent and sometimes it's opaque, but if we pay close attention we can often sense distress in another. It may be a change of tone in their voice, a distance, a discord in their energy.

This knowledge should automatically empower us with empathy, yet still people choose to ignore opportunities to support others, perhaps due to ignorance, intolerance, closed-mindedness or simple self-focus?

Sure, life is fleeting and we all have our own priorities, values and agendas, but isn't it true, that so too, do others! And yes, their way might be very different to our own. But that in itself should not give us the right to ignore or judge.

Empathy is no more than taking a moment to stop, listen, be patient and tolerant to another person's needs, regardless of our own belief system. It's not difficult - it's a gift - a small offering of hope to someone who may be struggling with one of life's speed bumps.

It's nature's way to pave a life of highs and lows, so next time you suspect someone may be struggling to get over the hump, take a moment to firstly ask if they are OK. Then listen with patience and empathy to the story they have to tell. Whether we agree or disagree, it's important to offer an empathetic ear, a life-line in a moment of distress. We are after all, human, and with human existence comes a range of experiences and emotions, all delivered at different times to different individuals. Therefore we shouldn't expect to be all on the same page at exactly the same time.

Perhaps we could create a better world if we all stood back for a moment and acknowledged that not everyone is happy all the time and that there IS something positive we can offer each other during times of crisis. It's called empathy!

Take a walk in someone else's shoes today! Watch them smile and maybe even laugh in the comfort of having another person take a moment to really listen!

Dedicated to a dear friend who not only knew instantly that things were recently unwell in my world, but automatically provided an empathetic ear by offering their time, patience and open-mindedness.

Written by an eternally grateful blogger who is forever inspired by the goodness in humanity!