This is a great read and a reminder of the power of empathy. That person who consistently listens and supports someone struggling fosters deeper bonds. By addressing emotional needs, such care strengthens trust, resilience, and lasting connections across many spaces. However, balancing care with self-care is crucial to avoid burnout while nurturing meaningful connections. Thank you for sharing, Salwa.
Thank you Tinashe, and yes you’re absolutely right - empathy is such a powerful force, but balancing it with self-care is essential. It’s something I’m always working on myself. I’m so glad the piece resonated with you and sparked these reflections.
Completely agree. Over-caring can lead to burnout but you don’t combat the risks of caring by not caring at all. It’s finding your respective healthy balance between empathizing (attempting to see/understand the perspective of others) and sympathizing (experiencing emotion on account of others). Both are forms of caring and both beneficial when reflected upon and embraced.
I believe the most important attribute one can possess is giving a shit. Can’t make someone care. That comes from within and is a superpower when properly managed.
Kyle, you’ve brought up an important point about over-caring - it really can lead to burnout if we’re not mindful. I love how you highlighted the balance between empathizing and sympathizing. Both are powerful forms of caring, and reflecting on how we engage with them is such a valuable practice. And yes, genuinely giving a shit is a rare and beautiful quality - it’s what drives real connection and change!
Maria, thank you for your kind words and you're absolutely right it’s time we shift our perspective and see caring as a strength, not a burden. Embracing it allows us to connect more deeply and live more fully. I’m so glad this resonated with you. 💛
💗 good food for thought!!!
Thank you Kassi 💗
This is a great read and a reminder of the power of empathy. That person who consistently listens and supports someone struggling fosters deeper bonds. By addressing emotional needs, such care strengthens trust, resilience, and lasting connections across many spaces. However, balancing care with self-care is crucial to avoid burnout while nurturing meaningful connections. Thank you for sharing, Salwa.
Thank you Tinashe, and yes you’re absolutely right - empathy is such a powerful force, but balancing it with self-care is essential. It’s something I’m always working on myself. I’m so glad the piece resonated with you and sparked these reflections.
Completely agree. Over-caring can lead to burnout but you don’t combat the risks of caring by not caring at all. It’s finding your respective healthy balance between empathizing (attempting to see/understand the perspective of others) and sympathizing (experiencing emotion on account of others). Both are forms of caring and both beneficial when reflected upon and embraced.
I believe the most important attribute one can possess is giving a shit. Can’t make someone care. That comes from within and is a superpower when properly managed.
Kyle, you’ve brought up an important point about over-caring - it really can lead to burnout if we’re not mindful. I love how you highlighted the balance between empathizing and sympathizing. Both are powerful forms of caring, and reflecting on how we engage with them is such a valuable practice. And yes, genuinely giving a shit is a rare and beautiful quality - it’s what drives real connection and change!
I love this. Couldn't agree more. It's about time ee stay embracing the art of caring and feeling it as a burden, something to be ashamed about.
Maria, thank you for your kind words and you're absolutely right it’s time we shift our perspective and see caring as a strength, not a burden. Embracing it allows us to connect more deeply and live more fully. I’m so glad this resonated with you. 💛