09/10/2025
It’s important to reflect on what real empathy is and it’s power.
Empathy isn’t just saying “I understand” or telling someone what would make their situation different.
True empathy is the intentional act of stepping into someone else’s experience, acknowledging their pain, and validating their feelings without judgment or expectation. It’s listening deeply, being present, and showing care through both words and actions.
For example, imagine Dory swimming into an episode of “Bluey.” She would be in a completely new environment, experiencing the Heeler family and all of their connections first-hand. Rules, relationships, tones, even how to play “Pizza Girls” would have to be explained in detail by Bluey & Bingo.
💙 Empathy would be listening to Bingo describe her world and believing the joy she experiences in the way she can best describe (even on those days she hasn't found her voice yet).
Now, instead of Dory - imagine you
Instead of Bingo - imagine a friend, coworker, partner, friend, or stranger
Instead of joy - maybe they are experiencing pain
Many people believe empathy is about fixing problems or just giving advice. AND hey, we understand why people think this. We get there might be positive intentionality within their advice.
It’s just that the advice will only be accepted if the person in pain feels understood first. Were they heard and believed? Was there a connection before correction?
It’s about offering belief in them when they feel invisible, reminding them their struggles are real and worthy of your attention. When empathy is absent, people struggling with thoughts of su***de often feel unseen, unheard, and isolated. When we intentionally practice REAL empathy, we create a lifeline. We have the opportunity to show them they are not alone, their feelings matter, and that someone believes in them.
Let today be a reminder: let’s not care just in theory
Let's put empathy in action.