As far as I can recall, none of the adults in my life ever once remembered to say, "Some people have a thick skin and you don't. Your heart is really open and that is going to cause pain, but that is an appropriate response to this world. The cost is high, but the blessing of being compassionate is beyond your wildest dreams. However, you're not going to feel that a lot in seventh grade. Just hang on." I
The author reflects on the lack of guidance during childhood regarding emotional sensitivity. They express a yearning for acknowledgment that being open-hearted comes with challenges, such as potential pain from the world. This sentiment emphasizes the importance of recognizing individual differences in emotional resilience and the value of compassion.
In her book "Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope, and Repair," Anne Lamott conveys the idea that while being empathetic can lead to suffering, it ultimately brings profound rewards. She suggests that understanding this duality can help others navigate their feelings, especially during difficult adolescent years like seventh grade, offering hope for a brighter perspective on compassion.
