I understand your desire to help and care for others. I understand that you want to put others before yourself. I understand this because I was you — I am you. I understand that you want to fix others and I understand that it is because you do not know how to fix yourself. I understand that you may find it easier to fix others because the attention is not on you. You find comfort in helping others heal and helping others see the light that you wish you could see yourself. You know that the light is there, but you push it aside in order to make room for others. You are the one who buys Christmas or birthday gifts for someone who once was a significant part of your life just because you simply still care for them. You are the one that goes out of your way to connect with them — you drop everything to be there for them. Even though you may still be hurting, you put that aside so that you can bring some kind of joy or a sense of calm to their life while yours is suffering. I understand going above and beyond for others because I have been there, I have done it, and I want you to know that it is okay — you will be okay.

I know that it is easier to be motivated to fix others rather than yourself. Fixing yourself is hard — it is emotional and it is incredibly painful. You see the pain in others, but the pain that lies within you has been pushed down so far that you no longer see it yourself. This is what makes it so easy for you to want to fix others. Helping others can create a sense of accomplishment, especially when you feel like you are surrounded by a fire that is slowing burning everything you are comfortable with down.

One day, I hope you find the strength in yourself to love yourself and help improve your own life in the ways that you need. I hope one day that you put yourself first. Helping others takes time — it takes energy, and you could be using that energy to better yourself.