Live Loving & Kind (But Don't Be a Sucker)

LIVE LOVING & KIND (BUT DON'T BE A SUCKER)
Be kind to all. Don't use your words to hurt people. Think about how your actions make other people feel. This is what people will most remember about you. They will remember how it felt to be around you. Be a breath of fresh air and a joy in the lives of those around you. Try not to judge others too harshly.
BUT that does not mean you should let others take advantage of you. Take care of yourself and don't let others talk you into spending all your energy on them. We are often taught that being selfless is honorable, but I don't believe that's true. Doing good for others is wonderful (and a necessary part of a happy life), but never at the expense of yourself! There is a balance. You can help others while at the same time setting boundaries and caring for yourself.
This sounds complicated and difficult, but if something feels complicated and difficult, then it probably isn't right. If you find that others are being neglected or hurt in the process of you caring for yourself then there is probably a "hitch in your giddy-up." There is probably an adjustment that can and should be made because when you are truly doing what is right, you will feel balanced--you will be able to take care of yourself and do what is right by those you love. Sometimes we feel like it has to be one or the other--either I'm taking care of others or I'm taking care of myself.  That isn't true.  Again--BALANCE. If you're having trouble finding balance (in life or in a relationship), talk it out with someone who truly loves you enough to be honest with you.  (ME!) This person will give you their opinion and it might not always be what you wanted to hear, but if you've chosen to talk with someone who really loves you then you know that anything they say comes from a place of love.  (It is so much easier just to agree with people, but those that love you the most care about you enough to tell you things that might upset, anger, or annoy you. The people that love you the most are willing to put themselves out there and to tell you what they see because they believe there is a chance that knowing these things will truly help you. (This is hard to put into words, but basically those who truly love you care enough to put themselves in an uncomfortable situation to potentially help you.)