BUMMER.
Lately, I have seen this word used on social media or have heard others respond this way. Honestly, it makes me cringe. Bummer. An invalidating word when used alone. "My car broke down and I had to walk a mile in high heels to get gas". Bummer. "My kids are struggling to make friends in school". Bummer. "I lost my big soccer game." Bummer. When someone wants to vent, share challenges and frustrations or just know someone is listen, they want to hear something more than a one-word response. In my opinion, "Bummer" just simply falls short.

Rarely, if ever, does a one-word response evoke feelings of validation. Perhaps the intent is sincere, yet it just comes off as a half-hearted attempt at empathy. It sounds a bit more like a try for sympathy, an appearance of compassion or feeling sorry for someone while not really having to invest much emotional energy or get involved.

To validate another’s feelings and respond with empathy, a person must reach down into the depths of his or her own emotional center to relate with those uncomfortable feelings. It takes energy, vulnerability and effort. A simple “Bummer” just won’t do. I suppose “Bummer” feels better than an attempt to fix things by “looking on the bright side” which can also feel invalidating. I like to think of them as distant cousins.

If I get a “Bummer” response, I typically don’t share any more. Not because I’m angry or cold, but it is my cue that perhaps the person is not able to engage emotionally or does not have the time or energy to invest at that moment.

If someone absolutely must say “Bummer”, please at least follow-up with an empathic response. “My car broke down and I had to walk a mile in my high heels to get gas.” Bummer, that must have been miserable. I bet you got blisters. How did it turn out? “My kids are struggling to make friends in school.” Bummer, it’s hard to make friends and kids can be mean. How are they handling it? “I lost my big soccer game.” Bummer, losing never feels good. What happened in the game?
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I still think there is no need to say “Bummer” at all, but that’s just me. It seems trendy now and I have a feeling it’s around to stay. I just would love to hear more empathy and compassion behind the word, if that is what a person wants to convey. If you want to shut down, invalidate or send the message that you feel sorry for someone and don’t want to get too involved, then “Bummer.” is the way to go!

Five things I learned while belly to the earth.

1. Free falling at 120mph forces you to be completely in the moment. Talk about being mindful! There is no time to think, reflect or feel fear. As the rush of cold air hits your face, an exhilarating few seconds of complete freedom engulfs you. It was in this moment, I felt complete peace and successfully arrived at full mindfulness.
2. It is possible to be smothered by your own body! When the parachute opened I was shocked to experience the full force of wind resistance pushing my bosom up against my nostrils. Oh my gosh, I panicked, I was about to be suffocated to death. ​

3.  Everything down below looks so small and insignificant. The worries, fears and daily stresses don’t seem that big or important from 10,000 feet above. A wonderful reminder to keep perspective and look at the big picture.

4.  Life is good until you get motion sickness and blow chunks onto your instructor’s face. Oops. And I even took Dramamine! Well, we did just share a life or death moment together. Seems only fitting that I spill my guts too since without vulnerability, there is no intimacy.