August 12, 2025 • 17 mins
Why are classrooms around the world running on empty—and what will actually fix it? In this episode, we unpack insights from The Teacher Crisis: Closing the 44 Million Educator Gap by Dr. Shu Chen Hou (Kokoshungsan Ltd.). We break down the core drivers of the global shortage—low pay, heavy workloads, and thin professional support—and spotlight evidence-informed solutions that recruit, prepare, and retain great educators.
Expect a clear roadmap: fair compensation and workload redesign, high-quality preparation and mentoring, career pathways, teacher well-being, and smart use of technology alongside strong community partnerships. We also look at what local leaders, national policymakers, and global organizations can do next, drawing on research from UNESCO and the Learning Policy Institute.
If you’re a teacher, school leader, policymaker, or parent who wants classrooms staffed and thriving, this conversation is your toolkit.
#TeacherShortage #EducationReform #TeacherWellbeing #TeacherPay #EdPolicy #Recruitment #Retention #EdTech #Mentoring #CommunitySchools #UNESCO #LearningPolicyInstitute #GlobalEducation #Workload #TeachersMatter
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
You know, how often do we actually see anger, I
mean really see it out in the world, maybe in
the news, sometimes even in ourselves. Yeah, and we just
react to it, right, We see the outburst, the frustration,
maybe sharp words, and we react to that. But what
if underneath all that there's a well, a different story,
a deeper one. Today we're doing a deep dive into
(00:23):
exactly that kind of hidden narrative. We're exploring this really insightful,
concise little book that tackles this very idea. It's called
I'm Not Angry, I'm Just Hurt by Doctor chu Chinhill.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, and what grabs you immediately, like right there on
the cover is the subtitle A Story of trust, healing
and second Chances. It tells you right away this isn't just,
you know, a simple story. It's about a journey and
doctor Howe. She's managed to distill these incredibly complex, sometimes
really messy human emotions into a well, a surprisingly accessible story.
It's presented like a fable, sure, but the wisdom in
(00:54):
it it really speaks to anyone any age who's ever
dealt with that kind of invisible pain.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Absolutely, So our mission for this deep dive is really
to unpack the insights woven into this story, into the
character's journey. We want to explore what you listening right
now can maybe learn about pain, about the whole process
of healing. And this is crucial the power of connection,
real connection human or as we'll see, even animal connection. Yeah. So, yeah,
(01:21):
this isn't just going to be a plot summary. We're
digging into the psychological truths here, the wisdom you can
actually use.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
And it really tackles some truly universal stuff, themes we
all encounter, that feeling of being invisible. You know, how
much courage it takes to actually trust someone else, and
the impact, the huge impact of letting someone see the
real you, the vulnerable you. It's about finding maybe just
a flicker of light at first, but eventually real warmth,
even when you're stuck in like the deepest shadows of hurt.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Okay, So for this deep dive, our sources are right
from the book itself. We've got carefully chosen excerpts. We've
looked at the introduction which really sets the scene, snippets
from key chapter straits in the story, Hell's own bio
which is quite interesting, and info about the publisher too.
Cocashins on LTD. And I had to say, just reading
these parts, even before really analyzing them, it hit me.
(02:09):
It's one of those books that, well, it sticks with you.
The message is really intactful. Okay, so let's get into
the narrative. It opens with this scene that immediately tells
you what the book's getting at. We meet this boy, Liam,
and his anger is just it's right there, you feel it.
He slams his locker right so hard the whole hallway
kind of flinches. It's this immediate, very physical display of frustration.
(02:30):
But the author, she makes it clear pretty quickly. This
isn't just anger, is it.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
No, not at all. And what's really striking is how
the author doesn't just describe the anger. She goes straight
for the roots. The text says explicitly Liam was broken
in ways no one ever asked about. So the anger
isn't the core issue. It's a symptom, right, a very visible,
maybe aggressive symptom, but it points to something deeper, something invisible.
There's this line, every thought of a textbook in his
(02:55):
backpack felt like another bruise deep where nobody could see.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
That just ails. It doesn't it that common thing where
internal pain if it's not seen or dealt with, just
bursts out its frustration or anger. It's like a shield
he's throwing up, maybe not even consciously.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
And his internal thoughts, Wow, they're really quite heartbreaking. He's
walking home alone and he's just wishing someone, anyone would
care enough to ask what's really wrong. He wants someone
to stay, actually see him. But then he thinks, bitterly,
you know people always left, that feeling of abandonment, of
just being unseen, unheard, it's clearly driving his behavior. The
(03:30):
anger is the wall, yeah, protecting something really tender underneath.
And it immediately makes you think, doesn't it. How often
do we, in our own lives just judge the anger
we see in other people, maybe even in ourselves, without
stopping to think, okay, wait, what hurt might be underneath this?
Lam's story really challenges us to look past that surface reaction.
(03:51):
His pain makes this whole world feel, the book says, cracked,
and it echoes inside him with every little thing, every
small slight. It's not really about the outside, it's about
how it triggers the inside stuff.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
So here's where things take a really interesting turn, a
pivotal one. It feels almost like fate you know, the
wounded finding each other. Liam ducks into this alley he
doesn't usually use, and he finds this stray dog, ragged hurt.
The dog has a twisted paw, clearly useless, and her eyes,
the book says, are huge, wet, scared, and they meet his.
It's like this moment of instant recognition. Something inside Liam
(04:24):
just lurched, not just reacting to the injury, but to
the shared sense of pain and echo.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
It's a really powerful moment of synchronicity. Yeah, and this encounter,
it's not just a plot point. It shows how connection
can start because for the first time, Liam's anger, which
is usually burning inward, it shifts his focus moves out
towards this other creature's pain. The anger that usually burned
in his throat turned into a lump. Hmm. That's not
just physical. It's like the very first tiny step toward healing,
(04:52):
finding connection through shared vulnerability, even if it's someone else's vulnerability.
He sees first. He doesn't see the dog as another
reason to be angry. He sees himself his own hurt
reflected in her eyes. And often it is easier to
show compassion to someone else before we can show it
to ourselves, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Yeah? Absolutely, And his reaction tells you everything about that shift.
He grabs his phone frankly typing how to help an
injured straight dog, and the advice he gets be gentle,
offer water, find shelter. It becomes like this unconscious guide
not just for the dog who he ends, maybe Shadow,
but really for himself too. He bandages her paw, his
hands are shaking, and in doing that and focusing on her,
(05:29):
he sees her loneliness and a desperate hope so familiar
it almost hurt to look. It's like looking in a mirror,
seeing his own deepest needs reflected back.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Exactly, And that interaction really highlights something profound, almost paradoxical.
Sometimes when we offer care to someone else, we actually
start the process of caring for ourselves, maybe without even
realizing it. What Liam does for Shadow is in a
way like projected self care. Yeah, he can deal with
the pain when it's externalized. It's less threatening that way,
and that gently opens the door to maybe looking at
(05:59):
his own pain. Oh and it's important too that his
grandma is so accepting she lets Shadow into their home.
That provides this crucial safe space for Liam too, to
start opening up. It shows healing isn't usually a solo thing.
It needs that acceptance, that understanding.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Right, So the story moves into this phase the book
calls healing together, which is just perfect, And there's this
powerful line, it's easier to open your heart when someone
finally sees you the real hurting you. Liam just throws
himself into caring for Shadow, researching wound care, buying supplies,
sitting with her every day, and in those quiet moments
he starts whispering things secrets he's never told anyone about
(06:35):
being bullied at school, about that awful feeling of being invisible,
about his parents just disappearing and leaving this huge aching
hole inside him.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
This is such a critical transformative part of the story.
Shadow becomes his confidant, safe, non judgmental, like a mirror
for his pain and the process of building trust with Shadow.
It's slow, steady, almost invisible at first, but it mirrors
Liam's own internal shifts. The author describes it beautifully. At first,
Shadow just watched with wary eyes, but slowly she leaned
(07:06):
into his hand, until one day she rested her head
on his knee. That simple act of trust from Shadow,
wow it's the catalyst. It's so powerful. It finally lets
Liam crack just a bit. He cries quietly, deeply into
her fur. That's the moment the mask really starts to slip,
revealing the hurt underneath.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Of that moment. It's so visceral, isn't it. It's not
just crying. It's like this huge release of everything he's
been holding in, the abandonment, the grief, and it perfectly
sets up the next step, which comes when his best
friend Maya notices he's different. She just says, gently, you're
different lately, not as mad, are you? Okay?
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And Maya's approach here is so insightful. She's a real friend.
She doesn't confront the anger he used to show. She
sees through it. She acknowledges the change, which validates what's
happening inside him. And Liam's response, it's a breakthrough for him.
He says, I don't think I was ever just angry.
I think I was left behind.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
It hurts.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
That's not just dialogue. That's him finally naming the invisible wound,
the thing the anger was covering up. And it makes
you think, doesn't it? How often do we mistake our
own pain? Maybe feeling unseen or unheard for just being
angry or irritable. The book gently leads you to that
kind of self reflection.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Yeah, and Maya's reply is just perfect for that moment
of vulnerability. You don't have to hide it with me,
just simple permission acceptance, exactly what he needed. Later, Liam
thinks about how he used to push people away, sharp words,
slam doors, all to avoid being left again, and he
has this realization. Shadow's wounds were obvious right, easy to
see and fix, but his own hurt was totally invisible,
(08:34):
except maybe to this one creature who somehow saw pass
his anger. It's a really profound moment of self awareness,
recognizing those subtle ways we try to protect ourselves.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
This whole sequence just masterfully illustrates the book's core message
about vulnerability being transformative. It takes incredible courage to admit
your hurt, and even more courage to let someone else
see it without judgment, without fearing they'll leave to The
book really argues that true connection, real friendship, doesn't just
react to the anger. It looks for the pain underneath.
(09:05):
It offers a space for healing instead of just pushing
back against the surface. Emotion.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Okay, So then we get to a part called small
Steps Forward. I love this framing. It really emphasizes that
healing isn't like a straight line. It's a journey, twists
and turns, and every little victory, every bit of progress,
it counts a lot. Shadow's limbs starts getting better, she
wags her tail more. You see her healing physically, and
Liam kneels beside her and whispers, it's scary to trust again, huh.
(09:31):
And Shadow, you know, like she understands, just licks his
hand this silent connection, maybe even forgiveness for how harsh
the world can be.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
It's such a quiet, beautiful interaction, and it says so
much about their parallel journeys. Liam is literally learning from
Shabbery about the courage it takes to take those small
steps towards trust, towards feeling secure again. And you see
the result later at school, some kids laugh at his
old sneakers. The old Liam he would have exploded right,
that familiar anger, but now he pauses, take breath, mutters whatever,
(10:02):
and just walks away. He doesn't need that angry shield.
In the same way, the wound inside is starting to heal,
so the external stuff doesn't trigger him as.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Much, and Maya sees it straight away. She tells him
that was brave, and he actually manages a small smile,
a real one, says, I'm trying. Shadow helps weeks go by,
shadow fully recovers. Liam starts writing his feelings down in
a notebook. He even talks to his grandma about his
deepest fears and she just listens with love. The ache
from his past it's still there, he knows it is,
(10:30):
but it's not sharp anymore, not consuming him. His whole
phase is about recognizing that healing takes time and effort
and self compassion.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
It's ongoing absolutely, and connecting this to just how people
work psychologically. The story shows powerfully that healing really is
a journey of small, brave steps, often steps nobody else
even sees. It's not about some overnight cure or dramatic fix.
It's gradual. It's about slowly letting go of old defenses
(10:57):
and bravely consistently choosing vulnerable and connection instead. And the
support from his grandma and Maya. It underlines how vital
that support network is when you're navigating emotional recovery. You
rarely do it completely alone.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
And that brings us near the end to a scene
called Golden Evenings Gentle Hearts. Liam and Shadow are just
sitting on the porch steps sunset, warm colors. He's scratching
her head, feeling her solid presence beside him, and he whispers,
almost talking to himself. We're both learning, we're both still here.
It's this moment of real peace, acceptance.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
It's a beautiful culmination, isn't it a quiet testament to
the healing they've found together, Shadow leaning against him, warm, steady.
She's not just a pet anymore. She's like a living
symbol of the trust and healing they've both achieved. It
makes you think, what does it really mean to just
be with someone and that quiet, unconditional understanding, no big
words needed.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Yeah, and Liam, in this moment, just pure honesty, says again,
almost to himself, I'm not just angry anymore. I'm healing
and maybe one day I'll trust for real. Oohdow so
perfectly in tune, just licks his cheek as it's saying
me too. Ooh. That quiet moment just perfectly captures the
book's main insight, the transformative idea bug getting anger is
(12:09):
hurt and behind hurt the possibility of healing, especially when
you let someone in. It's such a simple truth but
delivered with so much emotional weight. So this book I'm
not angry, I'm just hurt. It's definitely, without doubt, a
strong recommendation from us. It's incredibly quick to read. You
can absorb the main message in like one sitting, but
the depth the insights you get, they really last. It's
(12:30):
perfect if you're looking for a deeper understanding of emotions,
pain healing, but in an accessible way. It gives you
wisdom without feeling heavy.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It really does illustrate that core wisdom so powerfully. Behind
the anger is hurt, and behind the hurt is hope healing,
especially when you let someone see you let them in.
It's a fantastic example of the courage vulnerability takes, the
strength you find in connection, and just the truth that
healing happens in small, brave steps consistently. And the author
(12:59):
herself doctor Chouchin and who her own story is pretty
inspiring too. She moved from deep in the sciences to
embracing her love for music, writing and founding Kokushumsan Ltd.
Her journey kind of shows that brilliance and the drive
to make a positive impact can take many forms. This
book is a powerful expression of that.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
So thinking about Liam and Shadow and how the book
shows anger as often being well a mask for pain,
Here's something maybe to think about after listening, what invisible
hurt might be driving some of the anger you encounter
in your own life, maybe in other people, or maybe
even frustrations you feel inside yourself. How might understanding that
difference to the distinction change how you approach connection or
(13:37):
healing for yourself or others. It really powerful lends.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
I think definitely, And if you are intrigued by this story,
by the wisdom it offers, or if you just want
to explore more resources that aim to empower people through
knowledge making it accessible, we strongly wholeheartedly encourage you to
visit kokushingsun dot net.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
That's k O k O s h u n g
s a n dot net.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
You can find I'm not angry, I'm just hurt there,
learn more about doctor Shu Chinhau's work, and also discover
what cuqushing so On Ltd is all about. Their mission
to make education accessible create positive change globally. It really
is more than just a publisher. It feels like a platform,
maybe even a movement empowering minds. Thank you so much
for joining us on this deep dive into trust and
(14:21):
healing and the power of second chances.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Yeah, thank you. Until our stories cross again, keep seeking
out those profound nuggets of knowledge, the ones that really
shift your perspective.
You know, how often do we actually see anger, I
mean really see it out in the world, maybe in
the news, sometimes even in ourselves. Yeah, and we just
react to it, right, We see the outburst, the frustration,
maybe sharp words, and we react to that. But what
if underneath all that there's a well, a different story,
a deeper one. Today we're doing a deep dive into
(00:23):
exactly that kind of hidden narrative. We're exploring this really insightful,
concise little book that tackles this very idea. It's called
I'm Not Angry, I'm Just Hurt by Doctor chu Chinhill.
Speaker 2 (00:33):
Yeah, and what grabs you immediately, like right there on
the cover is the subtitle A Story of trust, healing
and second Chances. It tells you right away this isn't just,
you know, a simple story. It's about a journey and
doctor Howe. She's managed to distill these incredibly complex, sometimes
really messy human emotions into a well, a surprisingly accessible story.
It's presented like a fable, sure, but the wisdom in
(00:54):
it it really speaks to anyone any age who's ever
dealt with that kind of invisible pain.
Speaker 1 (00:59):
Absolutely, So our mission for this deep dive is really
to unpack the insights woven into this story, into the
character's journey. We want to explore what you listening right
now can maybe learn about pain, about the whole process
of healing. And this is crucial the power of connection,
real connection human or as we'll see, even animal connection. Yeah. So, yeah,
(01:21):
this isn't just going to be a plot summary. We're
digging into the psychological truths here, the wisdom you can
actually use.
Speaker 2 (01:27):
And it really tackles some truly universal stuff, themes we
all encounter, that feeling of being invisible. You know, how
much courage it takes to actually trust someone else, and
the impact, the huge impact of letting someone see the
real you, the vulnerable you. It's about finding maybe just
a flicker of light at first, but eventually real warmth,
even when you're stuck in like the deepest shadows of hurt.
Speaker 1 (01:48):
Okay, So for this deep dive, our sources are right
from the book itself. We've got carefully chosen excerpts. We've
looked at the introduction which really sets the scene, snippets
from key chapter straits in the story, Hell's own bio
which is quite interesting, and info about the publisher too.
Cocashins on LTD. And I had to say, just reading
these parts, even before really analyzing them, it hit me.
(02:09):
It's one of those books that, well, it sticks with you.
The message is really intactful. Okay, so let's get into
the narrative. It opens with this scene that immediately tells
you what the book's getting at. We meet this boy, Liam,
and his anger is just it's right there, you feel it.
He slams his locker right so hard the whole hallway
kind of flinches. It's this immediate, very physical display of frustration.
(02:30):
But the author, she makes it clear pretty quickly. This
isn't just anger, is it.
Speaker 2 (02:33):
No, not at all. And what's really striking is how
the author doesn't just describe the anger. She goes straight
for the roots. The text says explicitly Liam was broken
in ways no one ever asked about. So the anger
isn't the core issue. It's a symptom, right, a very visible,
maybe aggressive symptom, but it points to something deeper, something invisible.
There's this line, every thought of a textbook in his
(02:55):
backpack felt like another bruise deep where nobody could see.
Speaker 1 (02:59):
That just ails. It doesn't it that common thing where
internal pain if it's not seen or dealt with, just
bursts out its frustration or anger. It's like a shield
he's throwing up, maybe not even consciously.
Speaker 2 (03:10):
And his internal thoughts, Wow, they're really quite heartbreaking. He's
walking home alone and he's just wishing someone, anyone would
care enough to ask what's really wrong. He wants someone
to stay, actually see him. But then he thinks, bitterly,
you know people always left, that feeling of abandonment, of
just being unseen, unheard, it's clearly driving his behavior. The
(03:30):
anger is the wall, yeah, protecting something really tender underneath.
And it immediately makes you think, doesn't it. How often
do we, in our own lives just judge the anger
we see in other people, maybe even in ourselves, without
stopping to think, okay, wait, what hurt might be underneath this?
Lam's story really challenges us to look past that surface reaction.
(03:51):
His pain makes this whole world feel, the book says, cracked,
and it echoes inside him with every little thing, every
small slight. It's not really about the outside, it's about
how it triggers the inside stuff.
Speaker 1 (04:02):
So here's where things take a really interesting turn, a
pivotal one. It feels almost like fate you know, the
wounded finding each other. Liam ducks into this alley he
doesn't usually use, and he finds this stray dog, ragged hurt.
The dog has a twisted paw, clearly useless, and her eyes,
the book says, are huge, wet, scared, and they meet his.
It's like this moment of instant recognition. Something inside Liam
(04:24):
just lurched, not just reacting to the injury, but to
the shared sense of pain and echo.
Speaker 2 (04:29):
It's a really powerful moment of synchronicity. Yeah, and this encounter,
it's not just a plot point. It shows how connection
can start because for the first time, Liam's anger, which
is usually burning inward, it shifts his focus moves out
towards this other creature's pain. The anger that usually burned
in his throat turned into a lump. Hmm. That's not
just physical. It's like the very first tiny step toward healing,
(04:52):
finding connection through shared vulnerability, even if it's someone else's vulnerability.
He sees first. He doesn't see the dog as another
reason to be angry. He sees himself his own hurt
reflected in her eyes. And often it is easier to
show compassion to someone else before we can show it
to ourselves, isn't it?
Speaker 1 (05:07):
Yeah? Absolutely, And his reaction tells you everything about that shift.
He grabs his phone frankly typing how to help an
injured straight dog, and the advice he gets be gentle,
offer water, find shelter. It becomes like this unconscious guide
not just for the dog who he ends, maybe Shadow,
but really for himself too. He bandages her paw, his
hands are shaking, and in doing that and focusing on her,
(05:29):
he sees her loneliness and a desperate hope so familiar
it almost hurt to look. It's like looking in a mirror,
seeing his own deepest needs reflected back.
Speaker 2 (05:37):
Exactly, And that interaction really highlights something profound, almost paradoxical.
Sometimes when we offer care to someone else, we actually
start the process of caring for ourselves, maybe without even
realizing it. What Liam does for Shadow is in a
way like projected self care. Yeah, he can deal with
the pain when it's externalized. It's less threatening that way,
and that gently opens the door to maybe looking at
(05:59):
his own pain. Oh and it's important too that his
grandma is so accepting she lets Shadow into their home.
That provides this crucial safe space for Liam too, to
start opening up. It shows healing isn't usually a solo thing.
It needs that acceptance, that understanding.
Speaker 1 (06:13):
Right, So the story moves into this phase the book
calls healing together, which is just perfect, And there's this
powerful line, it's easier to open your heart when someone
finally sees you the real hurting you. Liam just throws
himself into caring for Shadow, researching wound care, buying supplies,
sitting with her every day, and in those quiet moments
he starts whispering things secrets he's never told anyone about
(06:35):
being bullied at school, about that awful feeling of being invisible,
about his parents just disappearing and leaving this huge aching
hole inside him.
Speaker 2 (06:43):
This is such a critical transformative part of the story.
Shadow becomes his confidant, safe, non judgmental, like a mirror
for his pain and the process of building trust with Shadow.
It's slow, steady, almost invisible at first, but it mirrors
Liam's own internal shifts. The author describes it beautifully. At first,
Shadow just watched with wary eyes, but slowly she leaned
(07:06):
into his hand, until one day she rested her head
on his knee. That simple act of trust from Shadow,
wow it's the catalyst. It's so powerful. It finally lets
Liam crack just a bit. He cries quietly, deeply into
her fur. That's the moment the mask really starts to slip,
revealing the hurt underneath.
Speaker 1 (07:23):
Of that moment. It's so visceral, isn't it. It's not
just crying. It's like this huge release of everything he's
been holding in, the abandonment, the grief, and it perfectly
sets up the next step, which comes when his best
friend Maya notices he's different. She just says, gently, you're
different lately, not as mad, are you? Okay?
Speaker 2 (07:38):
And Maya's approach here is so insightful. She's a real friend.
She doesn't confront the anger he used to show. She
sees through it. She acknowledges the change, which validates what's
happening inside him. And Liam's response, it's a breakthrough for him.
He says, I don't think I was ever just angry.
I think I was left behind.
Speaker 1 (07:55):
It hurts.
Speaker 2 (07:57):
That's not just dialogue. That's him finally naming the invisible wound,
the thing the anger was covering up. And it makes
you think, doesn't it? How often do we mistake our
own pain? Maybe feeling unseen or unheard for just being
angry or irritable. The book gently leads you to that
kind of self reflection.
Speaker 1 (08:12):
Yeah, and Maya's reply is just perfect for that moment
of vulnerability. You don't have to hide it with me,
just simple permission acceptance, exactly what he needed. Later, Liam
thinks about how he used to push people away, sharp words,
slam doors, all to avoid being left again, and he
has this realization. Shadow's wounds were obvious right, easy to
see and fix, but his own hurt was totally invisible,
(08:34):
except maybe to this one creature who somehow saw pass
his anger. It's a really profound moment of self awareness,
recognizing those subtle ways we try to protect ourselves.
Speaker 2 (08:43):
This whole sequence just masterfully illustrates the book's core message
about vulnerability being transformative. It takes incredible courage to admit
your hurt, and even more courage to let someone else
see it without judgment, without fearing they'll leave to The
book really argues that true connection, real friendship, doesn't just
react to the anger. It looks for the pain underneath.
(09:05):
It offers a space for healing instead of just pushing
back against the surface. Emotion.
Speaker 1 (09:09):
Okay, So then we get to a part called small
Steps Forward. I love this framing. It really emphasizes that
healing isn't like a straight line. It's a journey, twists
and turns, and every little victory, every bit of progress,
it counts a lot. Shadow's limbs starts getting better, she
wags her tail more. You see her healing physically, and
Liam kneels beside her and whispers, it's scary to trust again, huh.
(09:31):
And Shadow, you know, like she understands, just licks his
hand this silent connection, maybe even forgiveness for how harsh
the world can be.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
It's such a quiet, beautiful interaction, and it says so
much about their parallel journeys. Liam is literally learning from
Shabbery about the courage it takes to take those small
steps towards trust, towards feeling secure again. And you see
the result later at school, some kids laugh at his
old sneakers. The old Liam he would have exploded right,
that familiar anger, but now he pauses, take breath, mutters whatever,
(10:02):
and just walks away. He doesn't need that angry shield.
In the same way, the wound inside is starting to heal,
so the external stuff doesn't trigger him as.
Speaker 1 (10:09):
Much, and Maya sees it straight away. She tells him
that was brave, and he actually manages a small smile,
a real one, says, I'm trying. Shadow helps weeks go by,
shadow fully recovers. Liam starts writing his feelings down in
a notebook. He even talks to his grandma about his
deepest fears and she just listens with love. The ache
from his past it's still there, he knows it is,
(10:30):
but it's not sharp anymore, not consuming him. His whole
phase is about recognizing that healing takes time and effort
and self compassion.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
It's ongoing absolutely, and connecting this to just how people
work psychologically. The story shows powerfully that healing really is
a journey of small, brave steps, often steps nobody else
even sees. It's not about some overnight cure or dramatic fix.
It's gradual. It's about slowly letting go of old defenses
(10:57):
and bravely consistently choosing vulnerable and connection instead. And the
support from his grandma and Maya. It underlines how vital
that support network is when you're navigating emotional recovery. You
rarely do it completely alone.
Speaker 1 (11:09):
And that brings us near the end to a scene
called Golden Evenings Gentle Hearts. Liam and Shadow are just
sitting on the porch steps sunset, warm colors. He's scratching
her head, feeling her solid presence beside him, and he whispers,
almost talking to himself. We're both learning, we're both still here.
It's this moment of real peace, acceptance.
Speaker 2 (11:28):
It's a beautiful culmination, isn't it a quiet testament to
the healing they've found together, Shadow leaning against him, warm, steady.
She's not just a pet anymore. She's like a living
symbol of the trust and healing they've both achieved. It
makes you think, what does it really mean to just
be with someone and that quiet, unconditional understanding, no big
words needed.
Speaker 1 (11:48):
Yeah, and Liam, in this moment, just pure honesty, says again,
almost to himself, I'm not just angry anymore. I'm healing
and maybe one day I'll trust for real. Oohdow so
perfectly in tune, just licks his cheek as it's saying
me too. Ooh. That quiet moment just perfectly captures the
book's main insight, the transformative idea bug getting anger is
(12:09):
hurt and behind hurt the possibility of healing, especially when
you let someone in. It's such a simple truth but
delivered with so much emotional weight. So this book I'm
not angry, I'm just hurt. It's definitely, without doubt, a
strong recommendation from us. It's incredibly quick to read. You
can absorb the main message in like one sitting, but
the depth the insights you get, they really last. It's
(12:30):
perfect if you're looking for a deeper understanding of emotions,
pain healing, but in an accessible way. It gives you
wisdom without feeling heavy.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
It really does illustrate that core wisdom so powerfully. Behind
the anger is hurt, and behind the hurt is hope healing,
especially when you let someone see you let them in.
It's a fantastic example of the courage vulnerability takes, the
strength you find in connection, and just the truth that
healing happens in small, brave steps consistently. And the author
(12:59):
herself doctor Chouchin and who her own story is pretty
inspiring too. She moved from deep in the sciences to
embracing her love for music, writing and founding Kokushumsan Ltd.
Her journey kind of shows that brilliance and the drive
to make a positive impact can take many forms. This
book is a powerful expression of that.
Speaker 1 (13:16):
So thinking about Liam and Shadow and how the book
shows anger as often being well a mask for pain,
Here's something maybe to think about after listening, what invisible
hurt might be driving some of the anger you encounter
in your own life, maybe in other people, or maybe
even frustrations you feel inside yourself. How might understanding that
difference to the distinction change how you approach connection or
(13:37):
healing for yourself or others. It really powerful lends.
Speaker 2 (13:40):
I think definitely, And if you are intrigued by this story,
by the wisdom it offers, or if you just want
to explore more resources that aim to empower people through
knowledge making it accessible, we strongly wholeheartedly encourage you to
visit kokushingsun dot net.
Speaker 1 (13:54):
That's k O k O s h u n g
s a n dot net.
Speaker 2 (14:00):
You can find I'm not angry, I'm just hurt there,
learn more about doctor Shu Chinhau's work, and also discover
what cuqushing so On Ltd is all about. Their mission
to make education accessible create positive change globally. It really
is more than just a publisher. It feels like a platform,
maybe even a movement empowering minds. Thank you so much
for joining us on this deep dive into trust and
(14:21):
healing and the power of second chances.
Speaker 1 (14:23):
Yeah, thank you. Until our stories cross again, keep seeking
out those profound nuggets of knowledge, the ones that really
shift your perspective.
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