Exalted
The Pelican State | ©️ 2021 Alicia Kae Miller
Long ago, I struggled with what I thought was wishy-washiness until I realized the reason for my theorized weakness.
I was gifted from an early age, or perhaps at birth, with a high capacity for empathy, an acute ability to see, hear, and understand others, and, more recently and notably, myself. While this does not mean I agree with everything (including my outlandish thoughts sometimes), I perceive perspectives different than mine through active listening, regardless of political party affiliation, race, color, national origin, sex, religion, or age.
Looking back at little Alicia, I recognize that I was walking the talk back then, too. Some of you have likely heard me share this truth or read it on the About page of the EU website:
My first act of humanitarianism was when I was seven years old. I learned that my schoolmate had lost his family home to a fire. While the fire in and of itself was unsettling to me, the concern that my schoolmate would not be warm compelled me to insist that my mom break open my piggy bank so that I could buy him a winter coat because if I had a warm jacket, he should have one too.
As I share this lived experience, I want to emphasize that empathy is not pity (I am sorry for you) or sympathy (I feel for you). Instead, I feel with you (empathy) and am moved by you (compassion). So if you feel encouraged to support your local shelter, have at it, but know that a willingness to suspend judgment, lean into discomfort, and listen to learn from your family, friends, and strangers (who often become friends) is priceless and more than enough.
Until we meet again, receive one another with open hands and hearts. ❤️
Yours in Solidarity, -akm
December 2024
P.S. I am confident this has conjured up a heartwarming story of your own. If you want to share, I am all ears.