I suspect most humans have endured a significant episode of sorrow in their lives: the early death of a family member or close friend, the failure of a relationship, the loss of a cherished job, among others. While we try to compartmentalize that event, it stays with us, surfacing consciously or unconsciously throughout our life.
At times, the sorrow might be disabling, robbing us of happiness and masking whatever success we have achieved. Whether we blame ourselves, others or simple "fate" for the event, it influences our beliefs and our behavior. Counseling may or may not become necessary but, in either case, the sorrow cannot be completely expunged.
Most of us learn to live learn to live with its effects, buoyed by the many positive experiences of our life, but some succumb to the sadness, turning to substance abuse or worse. Knowing that sorrow is a common element of the human condition may offer some peace of mind.
