Last week I started the “My Best Life” series. I decided to use Monday, my least favourite day of the week, to commit to a strategy to make my life more positive.
Reflection on Last Week’s Strategy
Last week I shared that I would change my schedule and read more. Over the past week, this strategy has proven effective. I have been reading much more frequently.
In fact, I finished a book that I had started back in November… Sarah’s Key. 
This Week’s Strategy
This week I have a different focus. I am an empathetic person. Empathy can be a very positive characteristic but it can be wearing as well. For instance, I have recognized that in being empathetic, I tend to feel and take “ownership” of other people’s problems. Sometimes after speaking with a stressed colleague or a depressed friend, I find myself walking away from the conversation feeling THEIR feelings. I end up taking on their feelings of stress or depression (whereas I wasn’t feeling this way when I originally entered the conversation).
This week, I will commit to still empathizing with others but I will mentally remind myself that the issues they are sharing are THEIR issues. The feelings they are feeling are THEIR feelings. I will also mentally remind myself of all the wonderful aspects of my life. I must do this in order to stay positive and strong for myself and for others.
Perhaps you can identify with this. Please feel free to comment if the strategy for the week inspires you as well. In the meantime, I would like to wish you a wonderful week.
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I do this, too, and am so glad you put it into words because I’d like to work on it as well. Also, thanks for following my blog! I am going to follow yours, too and look forward to reading more!