I ran into a friend today who I have not seen in a long time. He was really upset and visibly shaken.

His life is falling apart with problems. He feels lost and humiliated. His thoughts are out of control with grief.

We spoke at length about the situation and I told him how sorry I was for his burden of losses. There was nothing else I could do but stand there and listen.

As soon as he left I turned to continue my journey. I realized I have been so consumed with my own battles with grief that I did not step away and see that my problems could be a lot worse.

I feel sorry and compassion for him and must thank him for the reminder that I really don’t have it that bad.

There is a saying: If everyone put their troubles on a table you would take your own back. This is true.

Step back from your own thoughts and know that you have the exact challenges you need to grow now. You are where you are supposed to be now. You are learning now. No trouble last forever. When the chaos stops you will be even better.