Empathy can be a writer’s greatest tool. Writing from only my own experiences and perspective would create a tiny box that I wouldn’t want to write from.

I spend an immense amount of my energy trying to understand others. I am able to listen to their story and in my mind write myself into their experience. Weaving myself together with their story, I can create a new character that feels authentic. Often, I find myself actually feeling their emotions. This skill allows writing to come naturally for me, but it does take a mental toil.

It’s difficult for me to separate my own feelings from the emotions of others. I begin to feel lost within a sea of thoughts, until I could swear I’m going to drown. There are even times when I’m consumed with the idea of fixing their problems. This strong empathetic connection that I have with people compels me to help them. Complications arise when I start neglecting my own needs in favor of providing those around me with my undivided attention.

After a lifetime of living through this cycle of empathy burnout, I have found that balance is key. To keep my mental and physical health intact, I’ve had to learn how to accept that I can’t solve every problem. I’ve found that simply being a trusted confidant can be enough. There’s no way I can help other people if I’m emotionally drained, so I have to remember to take care of myself before offering a helping hand. Learning to create a space for myself and my own emotions to flourish has been revitalizing.

In my daily life, I would like to offer support to those in need, however I am able. Through my writing, I hope to inspire and touch other people in the ways that I feel inspired through my own understanding of others’ struggles. My belief is that compassion creates endless opportunities of spreading a message of hope and love.