Darrel, I'm answering your post of yesterday: "Compassion is something many depressed people seem blessed with. Isn't it a fine line between compassion and forgiveness?"

Recently, I have the notion that I'm not nearly as compassionate as I used to be. I'm not sure if it's learning the difference between sympathy and empathy, or the practiced theory of taking care of myself first so that I can give to others is what's changed my perspective towards others.

The change in me hasn't been exactly welcome, neither am I totally comfortable with it. My mother always looked down on people that wanted to be her friend. She didn't have any patience or understand for those that weren't as mentally capable as she. I'd hate to think that the same thing is happening to me. I hated it in her, especially when she had drilled it into my head that "love, no matter what form it takes, should never be turned down." As far as I can tell, she didn't live up to that statement.

Anyway, this isn't about her. It started out to be about what I perceive to be my lack of compassion.

Your answers (whoever reads this) would certainly be useful and appreciated. Maybe I can make up my mind as to whether my heart is hardening or not.



<font color=blue>Don't die with your music still in you.</font color=blue>