On compassion, discernment, boundaries, intuition....(w/ 9/14 update)

[OneGrassRoot]

UPDATE: I just created a new OP with a poll, if you care to chime in. Please note that if a group within DU is created, I wouldn't be involved, for the reasons I explain in the OP. I want to make that clear...lol...so people don't assume I would be the one doing it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10023666677

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This dear soul shared her thoughts in response to my OP in GD in which I asked for feedback.

I want to post here because I think there is a LOT to explore in what she wrote and my reply to her, and some of you dear souls may have wonderful insight.

The last thing I want is for Wishadoo to be associated with suffering, and thus avoided, but that's precisely what has happened as it concerns my most sensitive friends. (I'm sensitive, so imagine how it affects me...lol...but I have learned to set boundaries and work through it. In fact, I've recently become familiar with the phrase "bodhisattva warrior" -- that is my path. So, turning away from suffering is not an option. For me.

As always, thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts (here or in the GD thread).




http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=3656164

[cate94]

1. It hurts

especially when you want to help and can't. I set a budget every month and end up exceeding it almost every month. The last Wishadoo post came just after I already exceeded my "teaspoons" budget, and it really broke my heart. Unfortunately, I have been so concerned with trying to do as much as I could monetarily, that I forgot the hugs and words of support. Very needed words of encouragement.

But also the idea of just a little bit. If everybody just tried a little bit. Stretched just a little bit. Gave just a little bit.
Sometimes you have to look at what you don't want to see. Sometimes that might be all you have to give. Being seen and acknowledged can mean the world to someone- even if you can't help them with the rent.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. That reinforces to me that I need to do a better job of stressing that....

somehow. Do a better job of stressing how important mere acknowledgement can be. It can make a huge difference in someone's life.

But also the idea of just a little bit. If everybody just tried a little bit. Stretched just a little bit. Gave just a little bit.
Sometimes you have to look at what you don't want to see. Sometimes that might be all you have to give. Being seen and acknowledged can mean the world to someone- even if you can't help them with the rent.

Bless your heart. Yes.

[OneGrassRoot]

3. May I post that in the GD thread?

The part that I put in blockquote above?

Not sure I will, but I'd like your permission just in case.

[cate94]

4. Of course!

Thanks for asking.

[Myrina]

5. I can understand it completely.

"Compassion burnout" combined with continually seeing the evildoers win & those of us struggling to make things better for EVERYONE get kicked in the head time and time again, makes it hard for me to even come to DU much anymore. I can't recall the last time I turned MSNBC on my television.

One gets to a point where one scans the headlines, stops and thinks "Why do I even bother?", pops open some ice cream & turns to the cartoon channel because our country seems determined to continue on a straight-rail to hell.

You know I appreciate beyond words what you do and have done with Wishadoo, both to help my foster guy and to allow me to help others, OGR. You have a truly enormous heart and a beautiful soul.

The 'even small bits' advice is great, as is the suggestion to post updates & success stories.


Let me know if there's anything I can do to help.

[OneGrassRoot]

6. ...

No words.

I hear you though.