I’ve always had a hyperfocus on helping others

But never realized there was a line that had to be drawn

Between helping and fixing

Because you can’t fix someone

Even if your worry is constant

If I don’t give him my constant presence he will be lonely forever

If I don’t observe everything, she’ll get sick again

Things will go very wrong if I’m not here to take care of them all

I felt responsible for the world’s pain

And spent my days and nights attempting to solve it

Slowly I’m seeing that even kindness must muster the nerve to walk away at times

Compassion must sometimes say no

You can’t help someone who doesn’t want help

I realize there have been times where I have refused help

And sat wondering why everyone around me felt helpless

As I did and felt the exact same towards others

Frustration not towards who I was helping, but myself

Blame, guilt, and shame

All because I couldn’t protect their soul enough

To have them be happy, healthy, and themselves again

I try to save others from feeling what I refuse to feel with myself

Because I’ve seen it all before

But only truly grow when I am saving myself and not being saved by someone else

Sometimes true strength is allowing someone the space to help themselves

Not drowning in the desire to be their savior

Now try to step back and say

I can’t promise to solve all your problems

But I promise you won’t have to face them alone

Because you are able to show others your heart

Without having to give it all away