Until You Walk a Mile

Having compassion for others is truly one of the greatest gifts you can give, expecially in the face of personal adversity.

During a conversation with a client today, the talk turned to the stresses and strains of the financial markets over the past year. A great many of my clients work in financial services and have borne the burden of managing the lifesavings of hundreds of clients and their families. I can tell you that I beleive the vast majority of those working in the finacial planning industry care deeply about the duty entrusted to them.

The conversaton took a twist I did not expect. He said, "You know, through all of this I did not have one of my clients call up and complain. Actually, I had a few of them call to check up on me and see how I was holding up. One told me she said a prayer for me every Sunday in church."

If you were to look up the word compassion in the dictionary, the preceeding sentence would likely show as the definition. Amazing. Remarkable that even during personal challenge and adversity these people choose to reach out and care for the wellbeing of another.

I lost my mother early in life to alcoholism, but I have great memories of her as well. I remember when I was little, something she told me over and over again about judging others. She said, "You can't know what it is like for them until you walk a mile in their moccasins."

Carry this thought with you. It's what creates compassion.

Have an excellent day.