7 Experiences Which Expanded My Empathy

"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." - Ian Maclaren

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From this point on: I realized just how difficult and thankless so many service jobs are and how much being a patient customer actually can brighten the day of a tired server.

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From this point on: I caught a brief glimpse of how exhausting it is to have limited mobility. And now I am quicker to make room for those in wheelchairs to pass or turn around (in an elevator for instance.)

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From that point on: I realized that babies do not do what you ask them to do even if you ask very nicely. And my heart goes out to tired parents on an airplane or pretty much wherever.

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From this point on: I could understand the sadness a friend feels when losing a cat or a bird or a turtle. I learned to treat every loss with reverence.

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From this point on: I could identify with the very unique helpless feeling that so many visitors have when facing a language barrier. My patience with the confused newcomers in my city increased.

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From this point on: I began to grasp just how heavily it weighs on hearts when you or a loved one is in and out of the hospital, and I had a much deeper appreciation for those who work in medicine.

Nathan W. Pyle / Via buzzfeed.com

From that point on: I began to comprehend just how unique each person's struggle is. An issue that is debilitating to me might be very difficult for anyone else to understand.

But the lesson I learn over and over is to be careful not to minimize the pain of another person. Whatever happens in 2015, I hope to grow this part of my heart.

What experiences have expanded your empathy? Let me know in the comments below!