Day 19: The Power of Shared Sorrow 🌥️
October 9, 2025 | From Korea
Today, a friend called me.
I noticed their profile picture looked different, so I reached out. They told me they were going through a very difficult time.
And then… they cried.
Over the phone, I heard my friend’s tears. And I cried too.
🌱 Today’s 3-Line Practice
Intention: Today I have the courage to share sorrow
Question: Why is listening to each other’s pain part of healing?
Gratitude: Thank you for having a friend to share sorrow with
💚 What Changed in Two Months
Two months ago, I wouldn’t have been able to take that call.
Or if I did, I wouldn’t have felt anything. My own pain filled every space inside me. There was no room to see anyone else’s suffering.
But today was different.
Today, I felt my friend’s pain. I cried with them.
And for the first time since this all began, I shared my own story. With someone other than my spouse. I told my friend: “I’ve been struggling too.”
We cried together for over 30 minutes.
There weren’t many words of comfort. We just… existed together. Breathing together through the phone line.
🧠 What Inner Communication Teaches
I’ve been reading about the mPFC-TPJ neural network - the brain circuits for interpersonal relationships.
Today I read 90 pages (from 240 to 330). The book says when these neural pathways recover, you regain the ability to respond to others’ pain.
Empathy returns. Connection returns.
That’s exactly what happened today.
🍲 Meals with Family
Lunch with my spouse: Korean potato stew (gamjatang)
Dinner with my spouse and firstborn: eggs
Simple meals. But eating together, I thought: “I’m not alone.”
♻️ Small Actions
Today I ordered delivery but refused the disposable chopsticks and spoons. “We have them at home,” I said.
I also didn’t use any paper cups. I washed my tumbler and kept reusing it.
Small choices for the planet. While learning to be human again.
💙 The Lesson
Healing isn’t a solo journey.
When you listen to someone’s sorrow, your own sorrow starts to heal too.
When you feel someone’s tears, your own tears gain meaning.
Recovery isn’t about becoming strong enough to not need anyone.
It’s about becoming well enough to be there for someone else again.
📖 Progress Update
Pages read today: 90 (biggest jump yet!)
Total progress: 330/1784 pages
Disposable items refused: Chopsticks, spoons, paper cups
Deep conversation: 30+ minutes
Realization: Shared sorrow is healing
Thank you, my friend.
For sharing your pain with me.
For listening to mine.
For crying with me.
We’re not alone.
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Every day, 1 minute, 365 days
Small actions save the planet 🌍
Thank you for being able to share sorrow again.
Thank you for being human again.
- Gaetbeodeul -