I hear you!

Last, but in no means least, the final post in this mini-series on my top 5 strengths and how they have shaped my Eco Consultancy approach.

Perhaps the toughest, and for the longest time misunderstood, part of my make-up. Empathy means I often feel what others are feeling, can sense what is going on and anticipate other’s needs before they voice them.

Over the years I have had to learn how to differentiate my feelings from others, as at times I will feel an emotion just as powerfully as the person who is feeling it, even though it has nothing to do with me. This may sound like something out of a sci-fi book, and I cannot explain the why or how, but I can tell you it is very real.

Another aspect of this “gift” is having to accept the fact that just because I understand and can feel what others are feeling, does not mean they intuitively can do the same for me. I need to make myself seen and heard. Speaking up and explaining myself are two of many things I am still working on!

As I’ve explained in previous my previous blog ‘Maximiser’ strengths only truly work as strengths when you understand them, nurture them, and learn how to lean into them to accomplish your goals. Over the years I have gotten better at navigating Empathy as a strength. Through trial and error, as well as a bit of research and reading, I am able to employ this strength to build relationships and connect with others.

Empathy also means I understand. Not everything or everyone. But a lot.

I know, not only from my own experience, but from feeling other’s experiences, that life can be joyous at times and tough at times. I know that hopes, dreams, and goals are not to be lightly addressed or paraded around without care. That most of us care and feel things deeply.

One of the first conditions of happiness is that the link between People and Nature shall not be broken.

Leo Tolstoy

(I have put “People” where Leo originally wrote “Man”)

My hope for this Eco Consultancy venture, is that as we focus on our planet and it’s needs, that we will be able to take our emotional world into consideration too. We will need to learn how to celebrate the wins and be honest about the struggles in order to build a positive, and sustainable, future for ourselves and our world.

Happiness… increased by connection with Nature… yes please!