"After I got over the terrible pain of having something of mine taken from me, I began to think how bad everybody else must be feeling. It wasn't a nice time"

In this poignant reflection, Lena Horne, the acclaimed African-American singer, starlet, and civil liberties activist, touches upon a deeply individual experience of loss and the subsequent emotional journey she went through. Her words provide a profound insight into the human capacity for empathy, even when engulfed by one's own pain.

Initially, Lena talks to the visceral, instant effect of loss-- the "horrible discomfort" that accompanies having something precious removed. This might be comprehended as an actual loss, such as the death of an enjoyed one or completion of a valued career, or as a metaphor for the myriad disappointments and oppressions one might deal with in life. The expression "something of mine" recommends an individual connection, highlighting how loss can feel like a rupture in one's identity or existence.

However, the quote transcends individual grieving by delving into Lena's understanding response. Once she "overcame" the initial shock and agony-- a procedure that may entail substantial emotional work-- she shifts her focus external. This transition from self-involvement to compassion shows a psychological strength and maturity, showing that her suffering increased her level of sensitivity to the suffering of others.

The phrase "how bad everyone else should be feeling" exposes her capability to think of and resonate with the emotions of those around her. This compassion does not lessen her own experience; rather, it broadens her understanding of human interconnectedness. It recommends that pain, while deeply personal, is also generally shared-- a concept that lines up closely with her work as a civil liberties activist, where understanding and addressing cumulative complaints was necessary.

Lena concludes with "It wasn't a great time", an understatement that communicates profound melancholy. This short sentence underscores that while compassion and understanding can emerge from suffering, they do not always minimize the heaviness of grief. This reflective moment encapsulates the dual nature of misfortune, working as both a source of deep sorrow and a catalyst for extensive empathy.