The definition of compassion is: sympathetic consciousness of others' distress together with a desire to alleviate it. Compassion is a wonderful thing and I have benefited from an abundance of it this past week.

The latest in the long list of changes in my life this year is that my relationship with someone for whom I cared deeply ended. The fact that this relationship ended is not a surprise in itself, but the timing was not expected. And while I am sad that it had to end, I think that I am likely more upset about the potential that this relationship had, but was not realized.

Whenever something hurtful happens to me, there is always at least a small part of me that feels like the world should stop, because somehow my problems are larger and more important than anything else, which is of course not true. However, when people show me as much compassion and support as they have lately, it really helps me to gain perspective and remember that the world is a wonderful place. Knowing that people care about you and that you are valued is the best feeling in the world. I am so grateful for all the kind words and favours that so many people have shown me this week. This experience has made me realize how important compassion is and that my lesson from this is that I can and should show more compassion towards others. I can pick myself up and lend my strength to people who need it.