Writers 
I believed being good was to be there for all,at all time for years. When somebody was hurting, I listened. I certainly had words of encouragement to offer if someone needed it. I was the one folks would reach out to when things got tough.
That didn't make me whine either.
I gave my time to those that needed it. I gave out my energy to those who needed it. I offered guidance when I didn't have any solutions of my own. I gave love to those who forgot to love me sometimes.
Every time I was feeling fatigued I would tell myself, “Other people need me more.
Whenever I was feeling pain, I would smile.
When I felt I needed someone to ask me how I was, I would ask everyone else how they were doing.
I believed that I would be being unselfish.
I didn't know I was drifting away a little by the day.
One day it was too much. I was left alone in my room, weary from being strong for others. I received many calls from people requesting favors, advice and help on my cell phone.
I glanced at the screen and asked myself, “Oh, who do I call if it's me I want to help?”
I was stumped for the first time.
I was really hurt by that question.
I knew I'd been giving and giving and giving to others for years without ever asking myself if my heart was full.
I had been celebrating the accomplishments of others and putting away my dreams. I still had people in my life who treated me badly, but I didn't forgive them I only forgave myself for doing the same. I had justified my unfulfilled expectations with others and judged myself to be strong no matter what.
I had been doing my best for everyone, but I didn't save anything for myself.
It's when I realized that there had to be a change.
I discovered that to take care of myself is not selfish. If you feel tired, it's okay if you say “no”. It is not weak to take a break! Don't be rude because you are trying to respect people's peace.
Occasionally, it may be necessary to take a step back, not out of a lack of caring, but because you realize that you are important too.
I started to make time for myself. So I began to pursue dreams that I had left behind. I learned to take it easy without regrets. I gave up on convincing all that the word meant to understand me. I got used to leaving behind situations that were sucking my energy all the time.
Others detected the change, and inquired, “What happened to you?”
It was a no-brainer.
I suddenly recalled myself.
I haven't gotten over my love for people. I do what I can to help, but still. I remain to this day a believer in kindness and compassion. I don't believe I need to eradicate myself to show that I care though.
Life is too short to expend all your strength to carry along another person's pain when you're falling apart.
Share your generosity with others, and hold onto a bit for yourself.
Take the time for others but use time for your dreams.
Offer love but don't forget to love your heart.
You're not a machine. You are human. You get tired. You need rest. You need encouragement. Sometimes it's necessary to have a hand to hold on to.
But if no one does, learn to take care of yourself and remind yourself that you are important.
I did my best for all, but left something behind for myself. I am now realizing that self love is not selfish, it's essential.