There’s something about taking care of others that fills me with silent joy. Maybe it’s the way a warm cup of soup chases away their sniffles, or the sight of their eyes crinkling with a smile after a listening ear. Whatever it is, nurturing others has become a cornerstone of my life.
But here’s the thing: for a long time, I didn’t realize why this act brought me such peace. It wasn’t just about being a good friend or family member. It was about a deeper healing within myself.
You see, somewhere along the way, I missed out on receiving the kind of care I craved. Maybe it was a lack of emotional support, or perhaps unfulfilled needs in my younger years. Whatever the reason, a part of me yearned to feel cherished and nurtured.
And then, I discovered the magic of giving. By showing up for a friend going through a tough time, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on, I was unknowingly filling a void within myself.
It’s like this: when I care for others, I’m showing myself what I wish I had received. The compassion, the empathy, the act of simply being there – these become a balm for my own unhealed wounds.
It doesn’t erase the past, but it allows me to rewrite my internal narrative. I’m no longer the one waiting to be taken care of, but someone strong enough to offer care. And in that act of giving, I find a piece of myself I never knew was missing.
This doesn’t mean I neglect my own needs. Self-care is still crucial. But taking care of others has become a way for me to practice self-love in a different form. It’s a reminder that kindness, compassion, and nurturing are powerful tools, not just for others, but for ourselves as well.
So, the next time you find yourself drawn to help someone, take a moment to appreciate it. Maybe, just maybe, you’re not just helping them, but nurturing a part of yourself that needs a little extra TLC.
In My Unapologetic Life... 