Clinical Psychologist Tracy Thomas, PhD writes an article on the difference between self love and selfishness. Specifically, she writes, “loving ourselves — by taking care of ourselves first and foremost — ensures that our care for others ultimately can come from a place of inner abundance, a feeling of already being taken care of from within. As a result, we become more giving partners, family members, friends and beyond.”

My Guides always tell me that I am carrying the emotions of other people.  I ask them to release these emotions because I always take on too much.  I take on the burdens and anxiety of others when it has nothing to do with me.  This is something I have been dealing with my whole life, I think, but I have not actually tried to work on it before.  I have not noticed when it is happening. Instead, I lash out or react poorly to situations instead of pausing and asking myself what is really going on.  I don’t often know what the deep rooted issue is within myself because I prefer to live in denial.  I don’t want to feel those feelings of hurt, fear, guilt, embarrassment, not being good enough.  These are all the burdens that I hold within myself.