Very good post. That’s me every single day at work. It’s fucking exhausting.

I spend a good part of my work with students and families having to remind myself of this.

Beautifully expressed.

I think this is a good rule of thumb. Do you think abusive people who have some kind of mental illness or physical challenge should get a pass on their own abusive behavior towards others? I was shocked many years ago when I witnessed a man slap another man who was in a wheelchair. I later learned the man in the wheelchair was known for being verbally abusive to others. His abuse got him slapped when he suggested a sexual act with the other man's daughter. Btw- i do not condone violence.

Oprah Winfrey addressed this way, way back in her early days when she said that everyone has a story to tell, and she was right.

It's a powerful reminder. Thank you.

I'm big on the notion that many people we see each day are enduring a struggle that nobody knows about or understands. I try to tread lightly for that reason.