re: #180 A Cranky One

Glad to hear things are improving!

One problem with empathy is being able to identify with the victims of horrible events. I struggle with that myself. There are times I wish I could reach out and help everyone in trouble. That’s impossible, of course, so the best I can do is try not to think about all the evil in the world and just focus on what I can actually change. (I’m such a softy that I can’t tolerate watching ads about distressed animals).

So every time I do help somebody, I try to take what comfort I can in making at least a small difference. It helps.

Good for you for seeking help and so happy that it is helping!

Oh gosh, I totally know what you mean—I’ve been known to burst into tears over commercials. Being a softy had never been a big problem for me until 9/11 and the non-stop horror show it seems to have given birth to.

I certainly don’t identify with any terrorists, but being as horrified as anyone else by their actions, yet also knowing that some people hold me (as a Muslim, in a collective sense) responsible was just too much, y’know? Add to that that there are people actively working to demonize and cast suspicion on all observant Muslims… Why? Why would they do that to people who had done them no harm? Sometimes I felt like I couldn’t breathe. It’s getting better now though.