On giving, helping people and protecting oneself
It’s not a surprise to anyone who knows me well that I’m a very giving and caring individual. When I was about 4 or 5 years old, I remember telling my parents that I thought my mission in this world was to help as many people as I could with my talents. I would like to believe that I have done good on what I think was or is my mandate. However, helping people does take a toll on my soul.
I have written before on my blog about how I try not to spend much time in the Downtown East Side of Vancouver because it really makes me feel sick to my stomach. The pain and suffering of people do have an impact on the way I feel and it usually intoxicates my persona until I can cleanse myself (usually meditating or taking some time off).
This weekend, in addition to VanChangeCamp, I had to spend substantial amounts of time with friends of mine who are going through very rough periods in their lives. At the same time, someone I care for very much but who lives thousands of miles away was also going through a difficult period. All of this has had an impact in the way I feel. I think that, as much as I still believe in my mission to help people, I must protect myself from absorbing so much pain from other people. Otherwise, the one who will end up damaged will be me.
I know that I feel a certain degree of obligation or duty to my online communities to maintain communication on a regular basis. However, I think my blogging, tweeting and participation in events will be pretty minimal. If I don’t re-tweet something you’ve forwarded, if I don’t blog about what you suggested might be interesting on my blog, if I don’t attend your event, don’t take it the wrong way. I’ll get to it. In time 
Related posts:
- My 2011 year in review: Focusing on myself before helping others
- On giving thanks and the American tradition of Thanksgiving
- On giving it my everything…
- On giving oneself permission to NOT be perfect
- Giving good talks (my Top Ten Suggestions)
I hear ya…
A lot of people don’t realize that other people’s problems and energies can really bring them down, and do a lot of harm. I’m glad you’re able to see that and give yourself space!
Good luck, hope everything turns up soon and you come back feeling refreshed!
VancityAllie’s last blog post..THE END OF THE TUNNEL
I have just visited your site after I saw a hug to you from Out-Smarts on Twitter. I love your authenticity. After spending many, many years in nursing and knowing what it is like to give my heart and soul to patients, I have found some effective ways of helping me de-stress and be more in the moment.
I really had to develop these last year when our youngest daughter derailed. I don’t want to go into details of this but suffice it to say that I know about suffering and trying to keep grounded with all of the pain in the world. As I took a journey into the deepest darkest corners of my soul, I realized that all I could do was continually go back to my spirit, my breath and my inner knowing. Way to go for realizing you need to take time away. I hope to reconnect with you when you feel rejuvenated and in a healthy balance.
All the best,
Gerrianne
Thanks everyone. I’m doing better
Great post Raul; it quite resonated with me. I love your blog as your topics range from the super-technical to the fundamental, practical, and simply charming. Very impressive