Walking in Their Shoes: Empathy During Uncertain Times

“I understand you’re having a difficult time, but be sure to attend tomorrow’s meeting.”

That’s what my friend’s coworker said when she told him she couldn’t make the meeting because she was preparing to evacuate due to the Eaton Fire. When I first heard this, I was furious. How could someone be so oblivious, so dismissive?

But then I paused and considered another perspective. Maybe he didn’t know what he didn’t know. Fires like these, as devastating as they are, can feel distant—even to people living in Los Angeles. Not everyone keeps up with the news, and some don’t grasp the immediate danger unless they’re directly affected. I’ve heard stories of people who, despite living close to the fires, remained unaware of their intensity—even after two days of relentless coverage—simply because they weren’t paying attention.

Here’s the truth: these fires affect all of us, directly or indirectly, whether we’re in Los Angeles or on the other side of the globe. Just because someone’s home isn’t reduced to ashes doesn’t mean they’re unaffected. Maybe they’re grappling with smoky air, consoling a frightened child, or supporting a friend who lost everything. The impact goes far beyond what’s visible.

That’s why it’s so important to take a moment, put ourselves in someone else’s shoes, and view the situation from a different angle. This isn’t the time for snap judgments or wild conspiracy theories. As humans, we all make mistakes. It’s easy to point fingers or lay blame, but when errors happen, it often reveals a flaw in the process—not just in the person. Instead of assigning blame, let’s focus on fixing the process to prevent similar issues in the future.

A little empathy and understanding can go a long way—especially when someone’s world is already being consumed by flames, literal or metaphorical.

And here’s something to keep in mind: document your experiences. Even if you don’t share or publish them, revisiting your thoughts later can offer valuable perspective. When the time feels right, consider telling your story. Stories connect us, heal us, and remind us that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Let’s choose compassion. It might not fix everything, but it’s a step toward healing in a time when it’s needed most. And right now, that’s something the world could use a little more of.