First found on Life Lessons Around The Dinner Table.
After much internal deliberation and debate, I think I’m most grateful for my compassion. I was raised that way, and I’m also grateful that it’s stuck with me all these years.
There have been several times where I was at a crossroads, and having compassion was one of the choices I could make. Although difficult sometimes, usually I’ve chosen to take the high road, and show compassion to others.
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Compassion, however, does come with a bit of a price. I was a literal doormat for years, especially when I was younger. I was so naive. I would give so much of myself, only to have a few select people walk all over me, and straight up take advantage of me.
Example: I tried to be friendly and sweet with some of the popular girls (cheerleaders, etc.) in middle school – Boy, did that backfire.
It happened with my ex-boyfriend, John – I was so compassionate towards him, that I ended up in an abusive relationship with him for the better part of four years.
It happened more recently with another former friend, J. – He saw my compassion immediately, and that turned into an ugly infatuation situation (meaning him being infatuated/obsessed/in love with me/wanting to kiss me, etc.) that I couldn’t break free of for a good long while. He blocked me on Facebook almost a year ago. It hurt a little at first, but to be completely honest, I’m far happier this way.
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I still give a lot of myself now, but I’m much more knowledgeable about people being mean-spirited and using others for their own gain.
I’ve scaled back a few friendships because of this. It was tough making that type of decision, but I’m grateful that I stuck to my guns. I’ve found that I’m far happier when I’m aiming my compassion at the people, places, and things that I truly care about!
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I leave you this Wednesday with a quote from Nelson Mandela:
“Our human compassion binds us the one to the other – not in pity or patronizingly – but as human beings who have learnt how to turn our common suffering into hope for the future.”
Until the next headline, Laura Beth 🙂
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This is a great quality to have.
Thank you! It isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it in the long run 🙂
Compassion is an admirable trait. I like to think I have it as I treat others the way I’d like to be treated.
Exactly. I try my best to live by the Golden Rule as well.
It is so simple and just a good way to be.
I couldn’t agree more.
I want to be like you when I grow up!
Thanks!
I was looking for help with this one and saw your post. I’m so sorry you went through hardships due to being compassionate. But I’m glad you are 🙂 It’s such a lovely trait to have!
I’m glad you found it! It’s made me a better person, at least I like to think that way!