There is an old saying in social work: “Hurt people hurt people.”
If you have not heard it before, it means that people who are hurting often hurt other people.
Unfortunately, it is true.
The most vulnerable can be the most challenging.
Many vulnerabilities (mental illness, traumatic brain injury, etc.) can cause problematic behavior.
It is not complete, though.
There is a related concept: “Broken people heal broken people.”
This is also true:
People who have experienced deep pain can be the most empathetic.
People who have been wounded can be the most compassionate.
People who have experienced trauma can be the most caring.
We do not have to be defined by our wounds.
But if we allow them, our wounds just might heal the world.
See you in 2023!
Peace,
Ryan
