As an empathetic person, I often feel guilt when seeing people in distress. Part of this is societal, for sure. But my mind occasionally takes things too far, and the plight of others affects me longer than it should.

Then there’s the grateful outlook, the view that says “At least that’s not me.”

But why can’t it be both?

Maybe I’m just wired differently, but these two perspectives have always seemed binary to me. Depending on my mood, I’ll feel either guilt or gratitude.

It’s perfectly possible to feel both, to acknowledge the suffering of others while also appreciating that you aren’t in their shoes.

Feel their suffering while accepting your good fortune.

This seems so obvious as I write it.

Maybe for most people, it is.