the empath’s corner: prescription for the empath blues
take when feeling drained by the state of the world, overzealous family and friends, and other matters... {original discussion here. edited for clarity.}
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society's a BIG job, so it's important to keep scaling back to what we can do for ourselves, first. as we grow and heal, our focus turns to our work and the good work of others. that shift in perspective makes things seem less daunting. when it comes to family: boundaries. feelings of frustration, spiritual / emotional "death", etc., are HUGE clues that it's time to do pull back, and take care of you. people will use empaths to make their work easier, until the empath learns better. and, honestly, they're really not making it easier... just avoiding. it always comes right back around to them. there's a reason you're in this pattern. maybe it's acceptance, love, wanting to be or feel like a good person... in your heart, you know the “why”. you can be accepted for who you are without harming yourself. you are a child of the universe, so you are loved. if you have woundedness around love, abandonment, self esteem, or similar issues, support yourself with books, therapy, and so on. if you have to support yourself with medication for a time, no shame in that, either. if you feel you're a good person - however you define that - let that be enough. you don't have to deny yourself a life to prove it to others. you're here to fulfill your destiny. if you need to do more, God-dess / the Universe / Spirit / your intuition will let you know - when you are ready. but you'll do it in a space where you're fulfilled and comforted by your efforts. if you’re exhausted, healing and strengthening yourself needs to be a priority. whatever drains, depletes, depresses, or demeans you is NOT good work for your spirit. i don't care how anyone dresses it up. the key is: you have to get away from the mess long enough to get good messages, and trust your inner voice.
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on: caring for yourself
how: do only what's necessary, and wait for the rest to reveal itself. . in more words:
if all you do for awhile is dress yourself, work, eat, sleep, and maintain a livable habitat, so be it. if/when you get restless or bored, you'll figure out what to do. if you have hobbies, activities, or gatherings you enjoy, definitely keep those. cut off unnecessary or draining “obligations" unrelated to your livelihood. have adult children? let them fend for themselves. set a schedule for when you'll speak with them (barring any actual emergencies). they'll live. younger kids? ask partners, trusted friends, and family to pitch in. get them involved in some stuff that allows you some uninterrupted free time. if you're a caretaker for someone elderly, explore resources for respite care, join a network or support group... there are lots of people in your boat. finally, a bit of gallows humor that’s paradigm shifting for some: if you only had 6 months to live, what wouldn't matter anymore? act accordingly.
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original post by Jeff Foster join the empath’s corner {facebook}