Empty spaces. I used to count the empty spaces. A continuous checklist of who wasn’t here. Analyzing and over analyzing the reasons given and wondered who just didn’t want to be here. Or rather, who didn’t pick me, who else would feel not chosen, and how I would smooth out everyone else’s feeling around this madness in my mind. Was that ever my job or just an over embellished sense of self that I could make others feel better?

It’s a dangerous game of guilt we play when it comes to others. Pretending that it would be best if we took care of everything that makes us feel uncomfortable.

Ever wonder why you get so upset listening to someone you care about, often interrupting, rather than listening? The answer may not surprise you, but the solution to becoming a better listener might just do that! And it’s not that hard…

Now, at the corner of midlife, I see how important it is to care for ourselves, while keeping perspective on how others feel. That is a tough one for most of us! The intention is to understand and empathize with others, without having it change the way we feel. You know, so that you can take care of yourself, because that is the end game that leads to an authentically happy life.