TheBanyanTree: Stories

[Jim Miller]

I chuckle when you say that people tell you things. That happens to Linda.
Especially men talk to her and confess all the desperation in their lives.
She wants to tell them to please, just shut up. I don't want to know this.
I don't need to know this. But being the gracious person that she it, she
listens and nods.

To all: I would ask a favor. Never be sorry for me because I had a life
experience. Life is difficult at best. For me, any challenge is an
opportunity to learn and grow. I consider them my adventures, and welcome
the next one. An occasional break would be nice.

I recognize that many revel and thrive in sympathy from others. It almost
defines them. Until just recently, I have been devoid of empathy, because I
believed that I was responsible for the person I am. therefore, I am
responsible for my failures regardless of the source. Why aren't others?
I'm slowly changing me. I can have empathy.

I believe that being sorry for me is sympathy. I don't want sympathy.
Empathy is the ability to understand the difficulty that I am experiencing.
I can't trust sympathy, but if you show empathy, I know that you are there
to listen if I need to talk.

I know this is simplistic, just PLEASE, never be sorry for me. Protect the
vulnerable, help the destitute and desperate. I will stand with you until I
can no longer stand. Just don't be sorry for me.

Jim


On Mon, Dec 9, 2013 at 5:53 PM, Monique Colver <monique.colver at gmail.com>wrote:

> You think I would be surprised? I would not be surprised at all -- people
> tell me a lot of things. People tell me horrendous stories, but not because
> I'm a stranger. I don't know why they tell me.
>
> None of us are the same as we were three years ago. I'm barely the same
> person I was three hours ago. I'm sorry you had to go through that, and
> especially for your grandchildren. I know so many children going through
> similar things right now, and so many who have, and sometimes I think it's
> a wonder any of us survive.
>
>
>
>
>
> *We appreciate your referrals!*
>
> Monique Colver
> Colver Business Solutions
> www.colverbusinesssolutions.com
> monique.colver at gmail.com
> (425) 772-6218
>