LightBears

I have a habit of collecting inspirational images, stories, and thought-provoking articles. (I have way too many to keep track of!! Thank goodness they are e-format, or I’d be a hoarder with toppling stacks of magazines!!)

Today, I just came across the following meme that I had saved — I wish I knew who to give credit to, because it says so much, in such a simple way!! 

 “I broke my own heart 💘 trying to be enough for someone… “

This is so sad. And I have a hunch it’s pretty common, unfortunately. 

 It happens when a person is young enough inside, or idealistic enough, to believe that if they only try *hard* enough,

throw *everything* that they have in their heart and soul to *love* enough,

and pray *hard* enough, that the wounded person they love

will be healed…

…Made whole, and released from the old hurts that held the person back from becoming the amazingly beautiful, true and glorious Self

that they just *know* is stuck somewhere inside of the other person. 

Sadly, if you live long enough and your health doesn’t fail, and you somehow get a chance to really open your eyes and SEE!

you will find out that it really doesn’t work that way — not even in the movies. No matter how hard we try, we can only fix ourselves!

— we can’t “fix” another person. 

What we *can* do for another is care, listen with compassion,

stop listening if we’re getting emotionally flooded

let them know that you understand and other people may have similar experiences, see if there are resources they could tap into,

and wish them health and wholeness.

Then walk away and don’t look back. Or go back. *Just don’t.*

Send them a blessing, and hope for the best for them. 

We are all fragile, transient human beings with our own inner limits, no matter how strong we believe we are, or what we think we’re capable of.

And just like the oxygen mask in the airplane, you have to take care of yourself first and foremost.

I found out that you can empty your bucket and have no more to give, even to yourself,

if you ignore your “low oil” or “battery low” light. (Those are called idiot lights, BTW, and yup, if you ignore them, you are an idiot, lol).

I really truly believed in my own strength, determination, and the infallibility of the power of my love. And I found out that I am not a superhero,

I can’t make water into more than Kool aid, and I have a human, breakable heart. 

Unless we are called to be caregivers, physicians, nurses, etc. —

and they too have to be taught to be aware of their limits — I can only offer this:

Do not buy into a “fixer-upper”!  

You know what I mean– ooh, there’s so much potential, it just needs a fresh coat of paint, or maybe a few walls plastered, etc. 

Make sure you are receiving and giving equally in the relationship.

Don’t drain your bucket, no way no how!!

Just my own opinion… Do whatever you feel you are called to do!!

It’s taken me years to figure this out, speaking just for me, to understand that I am here to love, care, laugh, cry, share,

grow,

spread hope where I can, share my light where I can,

give what and when I can, within my limits and needs, if requested and if appropriate, and enjoy this amazing life!!!  

I’m not here to be a hero, a warrior, a rock star (lol),

or a “mover and shaker”, ’cause that’s just not my style.  

I’m an ordinary person doing my best, like everyone else, and hoping my presence here helps make life better somehow.   

But I am very clear, finally: I am *not* here to “fix” anyone else!!! 

(The corollary is true as well: I am not here needing someone to “fix” me, because I know I have my own work to do, and I’m doing it!!!)

I’m perfectly imperfect — like we ALL are!! 

ROCK ON, EVERYBODY!!! And let your unique soul light shine!