It really fills me up to have played even a small part in this story.

Isn't it awesome when you're writing makes an impact on someone unexpectedly? I try to remind myself of this whenever I'm doing something that feels hard or that I'm not able to get to the level of quality I like. "If this just has a positive impact on one person it's worthwhile."

Being able to truly share in the happiness of others, especially when it might feel like happiness is a scarce resource and they are taking some of it off the table, is a real sign of emotional maturity and stability.

Wow, well said. This is also something easier said than done! But once you truly get it, it makes total sense. And it kind of reminds me of the quote from "Into the Wild"

Happiness only real when shared.

At first I thought that meant that it's important to share your happiness with others. But now I'm realizing that you can do this simply by sharing in someone else's happiness!

Great food for thought, as always @ssimkins9!