What I know to be true

The title for this blog came from my favorite book of all time, I know this much is true by Wally Lamb. As I search other people's blogs and continue to try and be a better person each day for my kids, I see many commonalities among us all. In Mr. Lamb's book he tells the story of his life having to deal with a schizophrenic twin brother, their heritage and its affects on their upbringing, and his struggle to connect with his wife because of his difficult past. What I've learned to be true is that everyone struggles. Everyone had doubt, fear, trepidation, and loneliness. Everyone judges and feels judged. Everyone succeeds and fails. Everyone is angry and happy. Its a constant cycle of the same emotions. The difference is our perception. It's often difficult to step back and recognize other people struggle. Your struggle is not different or new, but it is UNIQUE to you and your life circumstances. The woman who struggles to make ends meet feels the same pain and suffering as the woman who earns 6 figures and feels enormous pressure to "keep up with the jones's" The couple who outwardly struggle to connect are drowning in the same loneliness as the couple next to them who seemingly have it all on the surface but quietly sleep alone each night. We all struggle. No one's struggle is greater or more intense. So I've decided the next time someone gets an attitude with me for no reason, personally attacks me without provocation, or unleashes on me because their child didn't get a solo in my latest show.....I'm going to think of their struggle at that moment instead of my own reaction. I'm going to take all the personal defensiveness out and try and infuse kindness and compassion because if there is something missing in this world, its not love in my opinion, its compassion. Hope everyone has a compassionate day :-)