Inspiring, encouraging, mentoring, leading, teaching and building others up can have a profound positive impact on the lives of others. There is absolutely no question about that.
But oftentimes, people who have a history of being mistreated forget that they’re special too. “Emotional Caretakers” usually come from families in which some of their basic emotional needs were not met; such as love, happiness, affection, belonging, safety, respect, self-esteem, security, nurturance, appreciation, validation, etc.
If your own needs aren’t being met, then building others up can come from a needy place. Unconsciously, as adults you will compensate by finding and nurturing others who seem very needy. Giving to others gives you hope that they will give back to you in order to fill the void within you.
Self-sacrifice does not equal love. Sacrificing joy and passions for another person is not love. Real love begins with understanding the importance of your own needs and your own happiness.
By all means, help others. Just remember that helping yourself is just as important.
Carrie
