Not Everyone Has A Heart Like Yours

Not everyone has a heart like yours.
Most people will not give and give.
Most don’t know how. All they know how to do is take.
Not because they mean to,
but because they never learned otherwise.
And so, carrying a heart this big can hurt.
It can leave you hollow and hungry and exhausted.
And even though sharing so much of your light is a gift,
it can also start to feel like a curse.
But it doesn’t have to be. It’s okay to be selective
about who gets your heart and time and energy.
It’s okay to step back from people
who take more than they give.
Even if they have good intentions.
Even if there are some days when the effort is there.
Even if they love you and care —
it’s okay to be particular about the people
you let into your life. That isn’t selfish or unkind.
It’s self-care.
You can’t share your time and energy with everyone.
You can’t meet everyone’s needs.
And you can’t take care of people every minute of every day.
No one can.
You’re allowed to turn people down and take time for yourself.
And you’re allowed to prioritize your self-care.
You can’t be there for the people you love if your tank is empty.
And you can’t be there for yourself if you’ve given all you have to give.
— Daniell Koepke