Kind, not selfless.

A huge part and parcel of being an overly empathetic person is that it makes you selfless. So more often than not, I find myself doing things for others than myself. It can be for animals, family, friends or strangers, doesn't matter to me. If someone needs any help, I'm always willing to help.

Its always been a great way for me to make myself feel better, to lift me up. It gives a satisfaction that nothing else can. I've also realized that whenever I do good for others, it always comes back to me in unexpected ways. This is what strengthened my belief in karma. For a very long time, this was probably the only way for me to feel good and happy. I started doing it ALL the time.

However, like anything else in extreme, this habit too came to bite me in the ass. Often, I used to end up helping people without them having to even ask which can sometimes come off as interfering. Also, it meant taking on responsibilities that weren't mine to begin with.

So now I'm trying to find a balance, learning to say "no" every once in a while, to put myself and my health first, to still be kind but not selfless. No more am I willing to lessen (my)self to do more for someone else. Prioritize yourselves.