We recently connected with Jean Alfieri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jean , so excited to have you with us today and we are really interested in hearing your thoughts about how folks can develop their empathy? In our experience, most folks want to be empathic towards others, but in a world where we are often only surrounded by people who are very similar to us, it can sometimes be a challenge to develop empathy for others who might not be as similar to us. Any thoughts or advice?
A hoarding case came in to the animal shelter overnight and everyone was frantically busy. I remember watching her stagger into my office, crumble into the chair across from my desk, and begin to sob into her hands.
To make matters worse, I had just hit ‘send,’ on an email that promised my boss I’d compile data he needed and deliver the report in five minutes.
There was a time when I would have handed this employee a box of Kleenex, briefly consoled her, and in short order, moved her along.
But when your prayer that morning was for God to put you where you could be most effective in helping others, you can’t then be picky about His timing.
I realized that caring for this desperate co-worker was more urgent than any report, so I stood up, shut the door and pulled my chair up beside her. God called me to be in this place at this time with THIS person and I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to be present with her, even if it was to share her pain.
She explained that she received a phone call from a family member as she arrived at work and parked her car, minutes before. The caller, a relative, had detailed the passing of her beloved grandmother, who had taken this person in and raised her from the time she was ten years old until she moved after graduating high school. Her grandmother lived a few states away and although her health was failing, my coworker was distraught over the loss.
When I opened the door for her to leave a little while later, there stood my boss. Her tear-stained face gave the situation away. She left, I gave him a condensed version and was grateful he agreed that compassion must come before data. Sometimes we just need each other to listen.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Jean Alfieri is a “Mom’s Choice” and “Reader’s Choice” award winning author. She finds hope and joy in both her work at the local animal shelter and in the lives of her adopted dogs.
When her eyes locked with those of a smooshy-faced little pup who sat inside one of the kennels, it was love. He captured her heart, and now she captures their many adventures in short story poems starring Zuggy the Rescue Pug.
Jean’s newest book, for young and young-at-heart dog-lovers, “Twisty and True Tails of a Shelter Dog Matchmaker” weaves fun quotes and ‘paw-some’ thoughts into a collection of twelve short stories about displaced dogs who took the winding road instead of the straight path to happiness.
A writer, speaker, and dog-fan, Jean promotes the value of reading in her school visits and encourages adults to capture their amazing stories in her guided journals. She is an avid proponent of adoption for all dogs: pure breeds, mixed breeds, young or “vintage” (her preference) who need a forever home. Her favorite breed is ‘Rescued.’ (www.JeanAlfieri.com)
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Age offers perspective, but you can be young and still be sensitive to others in a way that positively impacts their life.
Be kind – it’s easy to judge others and to think we ‘know better,’ but we all make decisions from a different set of experiences.
Think positive – life is bigger than you, and that’s a relief! Move through it and help others on the journey with your testimonial.
Find joy – in little things and special moments. Celebrate milestones.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
When I get overwhelmed, I consider whether that feeling is based in trauma or truth. If my calendar gets double-booked or interrupted, I get consumed with worry over not having enough time. When this happens my usually well-planned day spirals right down the drain and I accomplish nothing.
To combat this, I bust out my index cards and write down the truth. With a think black marker I print: “There is plenty of time to do what needs to happen today.” It must be hand-written and I jot the same truth on three cards. One card gets taped to the refrigerator, one to the bathroom mirror, and the other to the side of my computer – so all of them can be referenced throughout the day.
This allows me to reclaim my sense of peace and not get swept away with the stress of a hectic schedule.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.JeanAlfieri.com
- Instagram: @ZuggythePug
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jean-alfieri-0046012/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@zuggypug720
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
