Empathy

I was watching a close friend struggle through some physical challenges the other day. I just wanted to reach out and take over what they were doing to stop them from having to struggle and save them from their discomfort. Afterward, as I reflected on the experience, I realized that I got a small, momentary peek into how my wife, family and friends must feel watching me go through my daily activities. I was experiencing empathy, being able to recognize and identify with emotions experienced by other people. There are times when it is difficult to be me; I guess it's just as difficult to be someone watching me.