Dear Big Heart,
Let me take the chance to acknowledge you. You are tender, insightful, pure in your intentions, and truly loving. This may seem harsh to others, but there aren't too many people out there like us. We are few and far between. Sure, there are seemingly "nice" or "good" people out there, but this is past nice and good. You are warm and inviting - people feel accepted and heard in your presence. Despite your natural faults you don't seek to harm or take from anyone. As difficult as it is when things get challenging, you do your best to refrain from "stooping low" ... and if you happen to stumble down that path you are not too good to check yourself.
I see you. I know you. We are one. I know that you are in pain at times because you recognize how giving you are. You recognize your ability to embrace people. You recognize the love you work hard to reflect. In that same respect, you don't get that returned often. Your soft spirit is easily noticed by others. We know what that means: you become drained. Quickly. Folks take, and take, and take then you are left feeling empty with no one to pour into you.
At times, your relationships suffer because you're all in so quickly. That's not a bad thing because you want to believe that others are just as pure and committed as you are. It becomes warfare because you (out of your loving idealistic approach) don't set strict boundaries for everyone. You love freely. You care deeply. You are nurturing, and people seem to always need that regardless of how old they get. So, you're stung frequently. You don't understand why a kind soul like yourself keeps getting burned out while "everyone else" is okay.
Like a blazing flame in the deep fall, Big Heart, people are drawn to you in need of warmth. You let yourself burn and burn. Your heart swells because your greatest pleasure is that which rebounds from the hearts you have made glad. Simply put, seeing others taken care of is what soothes you. But, who is taking care of you?
I hear you, Big Heart. Your ache does not go unnoticed. From one Big Heart to another, let me offer you advice that I am still needing to feed myself:
You cannot expect everyone to be like you. I know that is difficult to grasp but it is true. So, since they aren't you cannot treat them as such. Spend time building up your discernment; be able to set more boundaries even though it is out of your comfort zone. You can still love, just let your love travel without you needing to be dragged with it.
Perhaps this letter is to myself from myself, but it's arrogant to act as though I'm alone. Because of this, I had to share. Typical big-hearted fashion. Be at peace. Protect yourself, Big Heart.
