So my door is usually always open, to listen and to hand out 5¢ advice to whoever needs it. I’ve been called empathetic by many, but I think it was born out of my own need for empathy. Where a switch got turned on that made me sensitive to the pain of others. So I do what I do. My hard crusty exterior was born out of the environment in which I was raised. Deeply implanted creases in my brain that can never be completely ironed out. So I sit in that fear, less worried about myself and more worried about everyone else. I suppose that just makes me another flawed caregiver whitewashing over their own pain with the pain of others.
But I know all too well it doesn’t have to be this way. (Here’s where that Five & Dime advice comes in). Never avoid facing your own pain. This can be achieved either through mindfulness training and/or professional help. Even confiding in someone you trust, and respect is better than nothing, but professional therapy is best. Over the decades I’ve tried a little of all three creating a bit of a mishmash of techniques that work well for me, but I’m still a work-in-progress. Which is all any of us can ask. So as you trod through your day avoiding the inevitable, remember. All that built up pressure will be released at some point. It’s better to use a relief value then letting the pipe break.