Welcome to Gaia! :: View User's Journal | Gaia Journals

Empathy.

Ever since I was very little, my mother would always tell me I was the spitting image of my father. The O'Sullivan gene was very strong, she would say, and you inherit all of your looks and personality from it. My wit, my humor, my charm. All of these things and more I received from my dad. There are some things that are mine alone, such as courage, pride, and confidence. These I have worked on, and learned from no one. There is one thing, however, that my mother has given me.

And that, is empathy.

I feel, and very strongly at that. It's what started this desire for justice, as I feel for the victims. It's why I understand people so well. It's what spurs my desire for humor and camaraderie to new heights. It's why I'm a social drunk, always wanting everyone to be having as much fun as I am.

So, when you are sad and want to cry your sorrows away, I am sad as well. When you want to shut down your emotions, I get depressed. When you are moody, or serious, or anxious, or nervous, or any other negative emotion, it pains me. It affects my whole day, and I carry it with me like a load on my shoulders.

This is why I make you smile. This is why I do what it takes to see the light in your eyes. This is why I do the things I do, even when I know in my heart I shouldn't be doing them. I just want to see you smile.

So smile for me. Light the room with its brilliance. Cast aside the shadows lingering on my soul, remove the shackles of despair from my feet, and abolish the cloud that follows above my head. Smile for me. Smile for you. Just be happy.