Compassion Explained.

Compassion

By: Erin 

For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Erin

And I’m going to share with you something I learned about compassion

I struggle like most people to get through life

I deal with mental illness, trauma, stress and the like

And a while ago I was sure I was done

Even before my life had really begun

I was consumed with frustration at my current situation

Convinced that my life was just a series of temptations

People tried to encourage, support and care

But eventually they would no longer know and blankly stare

Which increased the self-pity and escalated the self-doubt

This usually encouraged me do things in my life that helped me zone out

It is nice to hear that you are loved

It is nice to hear you are cared for too

But isn’t it the best to hear that someone believes in you

To have compassion for others in their time of need

Is a big part of what will help them triumph and succeed

But, there is a way, a method, a time and a place

That could help them the most by giving them both inspiration and grace

Everyone has responsibilities

At times mine were to eat three meals and participate in group

Those things were not easy during those days but that was my place and bowl of soup

People encouraged me, helped me, supported me too

But they were firm and always expected me to do what I was there to do

This sent me the message that I could accomplish my goal

Which helped me to feel a little less broken and a little more whole

Everyone has abilities

When you are caught in a crisis, and feel dangerously low

There is something important others and yourself must know

Just because you’re feeling pretty awful and not great

Does not mean this will forever be your fate

You were born with talents and have developed skills

That will help carry you over life’s mountains and hills

Everyone has the power to choose

When we are suffering we often do not get to pick what happens at all

And this feeling is often what makes a lot of us feel small

But What I am saying to those who support and to those who suffer

Our power to choose makes us a heck of a lot tougher

We can choose treatment, exercise, a good amount of sleep too

These are definitely some of the decisions that helped me and might help you

Now back to compassion you may be confused

But my point is that compassion is not always when compliments and nice words are used

People had compassion for me when they cared enough

To expect me to face the really tough stuff

I move slowly when I am struggling and tired

But I am still moving forward because that is required

It is needed for living

It is need for loving

And learning too

The compassion is there

Even if some people blankly stare

I can tell you one thing I believe in you

To do just what you need to do