Empathy is really the opposite of spiritual meanness. It’s the capacity to understand that every war is both won and lost. And that someone else’s pain is as meaningful as your own. ~ Barbara Kingsolver, American novelist and poet

We’ve all been there, desperate to help someone we love who is in pain. And I’m willing to bet that most of us have also burned ourselves out at some point. Here are a few tips I’ve learned over the years which help you find peace, nurture and look after yourself.

1. Look after yourself first!

You can’t help others when you are broken and exhausted.

2. Creating strong personal boundaries is likely to upset others!

Do it anyway! Sensitive people must create strong boundaries or they are really not much use to anyone—including themselves!

3. If a situation is painful, abusive or destructive…

Get out! Don’t sit there saying “I am accepting what is”. Some things are simply unacceptable.

4. Learn that sometimes you can’t help the one you want to help.

As hard as it is, everyone has their own path and their own lessons to learn in life. Don’t despair, simply send them unconditional love; their soul will receive it.

5. Accept that you can’t save the world and everyone in it!

Again, a hard one. But realise there is a bigger picture; none of us have all the answers. We have to learn to accept that if we are to have peace in our own hearts and continue to shine the light we came here to shine, it will benefit all.

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Do you usually put others before yourself? Are you willing to sacrifice your peace and happiness for others? Please share your thoughts with us below.

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If you know someone who could benefit from this post, please forward it to them with a personal note.

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Here is the amazing and always-lovely Louise Hay talking about loving yourself more.

Copyright © 2015 by Barbara Clark

Published December 2, 2014 at Beyond Affirmations, used with permission.

In the early 1980s John took a spiritual development course, and was introduced to his first spirit guide, Lydia. After Lydia arrived, three other guides also came to him: Archangel Michael, Tamarra, and Chief Joseph. Today these are John’s four main guides.

Besides his four main ones, John has various other guides. The entire group is really a multidimensional collective consciousness. John refers to the entire group simply as “Spirit.”

© Copyright 2015 John Cali. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

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