Empathy

I can’t remember which book or audio series I heard this but I thought it was interesting enough to share.

The author recommended regularly spending time with someone less than 5 and someone over 70.

The point is to learn from others in a different stage of life than your own.  I am sure the ages mentioned are just suggestions and not hard and fast rules.

For me, the 5 year old group is easiest.  Having two little ones at home less than 5 easily takes care of that.

Watching them grow and learn is a daily reminder of the boundless enthusiasm and energy we are capable of.  I constantly remind myself that there is no reason I can’t have that same love for life and enthusiasm for even the smallest of tasks.

I definitelly spend less time with the over 70 crowd, but have done a better job of spending time with people from some earlier generations.

Every time I spend time chatting with someone over 70, I find I pick up some tidbit or life lesson that will help me in the future.  The wisdom and character that we can learn from those older than ourselves is a treasure trove we need only ask to gain access to.

The idea of spending time with someone under 5 and over 70 is a way to learn the skill of empathy.  By talking to someone with a different perspective on life, we learn to look at others differently and maybe understand them a little better.

From everything I have read, empathy falls in the top 5 skills that will help you succeed in life. 

Get started on improving this skill today.  Reach out and create a relationship with someone different from you today.

Jake