Others Hurt Too

I believe that every painful experience we go through in life enlarges our capacity to understand other people's pain.  There is a silver lining in the dark cloud.  What I have realized lately, however, is that even though I know what other people go through because I've had similar pain myself, I can still be wrapped up in my experience and forget that it is as real and as bad for others.  I regret that.  I'm not helping others as much as I could be by showing compassion and I'm clinging to my pain and still trying to get people to share it with me.

Maybe I can go a little easier on myself and say it's unfortunate that I've had some painful experiences and that if I can help anyone at all with my understanding, it's a bonus.  I'm not obligated to help.  It's a shame that I've suffered.  But I want to help.  I want to let people know that they're not alone.  I want to validate people's experiences and say some things have happened to me too and I know that they hurt.  And I know too that life goes on and can still be beautiful.

Life is beautiful.  Especially when we remember to care about others.  I must never forget that.

JAHD
(This entry is dedicated to some angels - invisible but loved)