Keith JonesJanuary 7, 2016

It is easy for me to show empathy for people if I’ve gone through similar experiences. I grew up in a home where one of parents struggled with alcoholism so I can relate to how the disease impacts children. I’ve fell on hard times financially so I get how shame can make people hide their hardships. But when it comes to showing compassion for people who go through things I haven’t, I’ve been a no show for them.

I always viewed myself as someone who genuinely cared about others. I now know that hasn’t been true. A person who loves people unconditionally doesn’t judge them or make them wrong for choices they make or walk away when they need a friend. And they certainly don’t celebrate their misfortune. I have done all these things to varying degrees. I made a choice the last few years to end that disappointing behavior.

I projected blame onto anyone who didn’t show love and understanding to their fellow man. I found fault with those who stood around and did nothing while people suffered. I remember seeing photographs of people smiling for the camera at a lynching as men swung from trees. I couldn’t understand how they could do that. But when a celebrity fell from grace, I joined in on the gossip about them instead of wishing them a safe and positive recovery from what they were going through. How ironic and hypocritical!

I have learned a lot about compassion and empathy the last few years. Here’s what I know now. I don’t need to know someone’s story or walked a mile in their shoes to show them love and be a friend. I commit now to being a friend no matter what. I’m all in when it comes to supporting humanity powerfully and unconditionally. Join me!

Keith