When others are in pain and I feel it too, it comforts me to remember that such empathy is a beautiful thing, because it moves me to help. The same emotion that feels like weakness may someday alert me to someone’s deep need. This hopefulness and purpose make it easier for me to bear someone’s pain in moments when I can do nothing to help. I also try to remind myself that whatever they’re going through, it will get better. They will survive. And so will I, on days when I feel the same way.
