Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Is Empathy Your Enemy?

Greetings Beloved Ones!

We have been trained to be kind to others; to make an effort to meet the needs of others, help and offer support whenever we can. The question is, do you forget to take care of yourself in the process?

In my job as a minister, I am conditioned to put others first, to put the needs of the church first, to make sure everyone is happy and experiencing harmony, etc. When we express empathy to the degree that we lose or sacrifice ourselves in the process, it neither truly serves either party.

When we offer love and kindness, a compassionate heart, a listening ear and support, it truly needs to be offered with balance and mutual benefit; not at the expense of losing oneself.

. Are you a people pleaser?
. Do you fear not being liked by others or that you may not have their approval?
. Do you put other's needs ahead of yourself consistently? (barring children)
. Are there times you act like a martyr?
. Have you ever lost yourself in a relationship?

Make it a valuable day! Love yourself!
Rev. Sylvia

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