If you’re not familiar with the word empathy, it’s really simple. It’s when an individual is so sensitive that you take on the world’s views, personalities and pain. You can feel the feelings of others more so than most. For example, if you’re with family members that are sharing negative or painful emotions, you cannot help but be filled with those feelings as well – even if you’re having an amazing day. You will take on their feelings and emotions and continue to until you surround yourself with more positive and loving feelings and people.
Being an empath is sometimes difficult, I can attest to that. In fact it’s a downright burden. It’s like being a chameleon and changing colors according to other peoples’ moods and feelings. Most of the time, family and friends will tell you that you’re too sensitive. You probably even tell yourself the same thing. Thankfully, however, there are ways to manage being an empath, and being in this world.
Use a Filter with Your Dental Office Employees
The same way you make coffee each and every morning using a filter, you have to learn how to filter the people and things in your life.
While this may sound draining, the payoff is worth it. You really do have to learn to not let everything in your heart and soul. Learning how to filter out the constructive criticism from the downright negativity takes time. Filter out what works for you and leave behind what doesn’t.
Take Responsibility in Your Dental Practice
Take responsibility for what you will block out and what you will let in, as well as who you let in your inner circle. Pick and choose the people you will surround yourself with carefully. Sometimes family and co-workers cannot be avoided, so you have to learn how to deal with them appropriately. If you’re spending too much time with your co-workers during work hours and then afterwards, and it leaves you feeling drained and down, then find a new group to socialize with.
Don’t be a victim. Take responsibility for protecting yourself.
Let Go of the Guilt
When you get used to using a filter, picking and choosing what feelings to let in, and then taking responsibility for the experiences and people that surround you, it makes perfect sense to let go of the guilt, right?
But as an empathy the next thing you’ll feel is guilt. Let’s face it, at the end of the day, it’s totally your responsible for taking care of yourself.
If you’re going to take the time and the trouble to learn how to adjust in this world, then you might as well do the hard work. It’s up to you to choose how you want to feel at any given moment.
Written by Cathy Warschaw, CPC, ELI-MP
Founder & Make It Happen Coach
www.UpAllNightCoaching.com/dental
800.660.6707
© Up All Night Coaching, 2016
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Edited by Dental Practice Pro, DPP Inc.
