So what exactly does it mean to be an empath you might ask and I wondered the same the first time I heard the word. I can’t remember how I came across it and it was probably a Facebook quiz I took just for fun, aren’t those hilarious at times, almost like reading the horoscope that can be a hit or miss and in the end you are left to believe what you want to believe anyways. However this one intrigued me in some sense and I vaguely remember googling the word to learn more about the subject which ultimately was describing myself. The article talked about the trademark of an empath and that they feel and absorb the emotions and feelings of others due to their high sensitivities. It could be a blessing or a curse if you don’t learn to center yourself from too many emotions which could leave you feeling overwhelmed.
Another trait was being attuned to people’s mood, good and bad. Taking on too much anger, anxiety and frustration could leave you feeling exhausted and balancing and centering yourself seemed to be the key.
Many empaths were also described as introverts, another statistic I found to be true for myself. Despite wanting to contribute and help others in any form possible, big crowds are usually not my thing. I’m not your cheerleader, jumping up and down kind of girl and it is peace and quiet that speaks to me for the most part at this point of my life. A place I nourish and recover from the hectic, a break away from it if you will.
The article described a higher developed form of intuition and boy did that ever hit the nail on the head. The gut feeling I had about situations and people, the things that nobody else seemed to see and the very things that made me question my sanity at times because I was standing alone, by myself. I saw the intentions that were hiding and I could predict the outcome with the true meaning behind the tactics and behaviors. Nobody saw it until it was too late, even though it seemed so crystal clear to me.
Further the article talked about empaths needing alone time and I think that’s true as well. While many are afraid to be alone, perhaps even stay in relationship out of fear of being alone, I didn’t mind having time to myself. I was fine not having to entertain and just letting my soul hang loose to do whatever, whenever and for however long I wanted to. Of course this would get old if it was always this way and as humans we are meant to interact with others, but I also believe in balance of such and there is nothing wrong with a little alone time.
Another thing that stood out was empath’s falling victim to energy vampires such narcissists. It mentioned them to actually do much more harm than just sucking the energy right out of you. Because of their lack of empathy it would leave an empath feeling unworthy and unloved. Other energy vampires to be considered are drama queens, the chronic talker and the victim. In particular the victim stands out as it is very draining to be around a person like this. The pessimist that has given up on everything and never can see the silver lining and would rather cling to the victim mentality. But then the drama queen and the chronic talker are pretty exhausting too, especially if you need a moment in your quiet place.
Empath’s are restored in nature it read and in a sense it gave understanding as to why I feel so at peace when I’m out on the trail. I always said that I go to nature to recharge my batteries and here it was written in black and white to confirm just that. I already knew without having read the facts.
Besides having highly tuned senses, the article also mentioned that the heart of an empath is often too big. Empath’s try to relieve the pain of others and it is natural for them to reach out to people. But empaths don’t stop there and instead they take it on, which can leave them feeling drained and exhausted even they were fine just a moment ago. Again it is balance and keeping yourself centered that is key in keeping a healthy relationship with your super powers as I call them. And while empaths have special needs, these abilities can be a gift, a blessing and sometimes a curse depending on the situation.
I wonder if you relate with some of these qualities and traits, if you have similar feelings or if this perhaps has shed some light on a few question marks. I definitely would love to hear about it.
Xoxoxoxo ❤️
I am a Full Grown Empath. This line is Right – “Empath’s try to relieve the pain of others and it is natural for them to reach out to people.”.
But as you said, it can be a blessing or a curse. Like many times, I find, that unworthy people have made me help them, and then they flatly forget about me, after they have got what they wanted from me.
That is the time, I become an Introvert and retreat into my crab shell to ponder and fuss.
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The article and the response above describe me. I relate with what you said about people forgetting about you after you’ve gone above and beyond to help them through whatever they’re facing. It’s taken a long time but now I can identify those that approach me as a resource, but in earlier years I wouldn’t see it coming and was left with an aching heart when they’d disappear. I try my hardest to help those I care about and in essence when they hurt I hurt as well. however, it becomes emotionally and mentally overwhelming when i have the same conversation with someone who possess the victim mentality- after repeating the conversations too many times without moving in the direction of healing I eventually start to drown in frustration and sorrow as well.
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So very true and I know what you mean. We spend so much energy in trying to help others, that we spend everything we have. It is exhausting and eventually we give up and it becomes a sore subject. Thank you so much for sharing and taking the time to stop by. Have a great day and protect your heart. I’m glad you have learned to determine the difference when people approach you. Hugs.
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Just don’t bother Girl. As long as you have done, what a Good Human should do. Let those Ungrateful Wicked people rot in their own soil.
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That’s all we can ever do and hopefully we can inspire, but in the end everyone makes their own choice
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Just like me and I understand your words. Are you a cancer like me as well since you mention the crab shell?
As empaths we are special and unique, seeing things others can’t and our compassion is developed in ways others are not. Learning to forgive others for the shallowness may be closely linked to the pain of an empath.
Thank you for stopping by and for taking the time to share and comment.
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I am a pure Cancerian. Too Soft, Too Lovable, then I get kicked in the rear and forgotten after “work” is over.
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Sounds very familiar
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Unite Together Cancerians !!
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Exactly 😉
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I can relate to your post as I am an empath myself. 😊 Have a wonderful weekend!
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Thank you very much and you as well.
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I too am an empath, but didn’t discover why I was feeling so much until late in life. My mother was a narc, and I was married to a narc for 8 yrs. It seems throughout my life that these abusive types were drawn to me and I tried to “fix” them. Needless to say, for many years now I have keep to myself and have almost become a recluse due to past experiences. I can so identify with your post. Thanks for sharing.
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I’m so sorry for your experiences and I truly believe that it is the reason as to why we become so introverted. It’s draining to say the least and I’m sure there are many more of us out there going through the same issues.
Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to comment. It means a lot, thank you. Remember that you have much to offer and it is not your fault things turned out the way they did. Hugs….
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you have a great vision….you can visualize your surroundings in a realistic way ……good keep it up
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Thank you very much for your kind words 👍🏼
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We need to thank you for sharing with us such a wonderful peace of writing….thanks again
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You give me way too much credit and it is truly appreciated. Thank you for stopping by, reading and commenting. Have a wonderful weekend.
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You know what? I’m pretty sure I’m an empath. And I’m pretty sure that’s the reason I’m still healing from my childhood st age 50. Taking on all of those feelings of others leaves me having to deal with those too. I also believe that nature heals me..even if it’s just being in my small city back yard.
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I’m sure you probably are Patty and sadly we often put ourselves last in an effort to help everybody else. Make sure you allow YOU time and get out when and however often you can.
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Reblogged this on Inspire Tips.
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Awe thank you so much, how kind of you
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Wow! What you’ve described sounds a little like me. I don’t know if it’s good or bad to be like that because you tend to oscillate between ecstasy and depression, sometimes when the triggers for such extremes gave nothing to do with you. Buf what can we do? We’re wired that way….
Enjoyed reading this.
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Thank you very much for stopping by and your kind words. You are right and we are wired that way. Keeping the balance is key as it can be exhausting and draining. Recognizing the systems and to take care of yourself at some points are vital points not to be ignored. So please take time and listen to your intuition. It knows.
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It knows, yes 😊
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Everything about this is me. I’m slowly coming to accept that I’m not weird or crazy, I’m just empathetic. The paragraph when you mentioned that empaths not only feel but try to alleviate the pain of others was me growing up. To this day, I do it too, but I’ve learned to find balance. Balance is key for empaths! Thank you so much for sharing, and reminding me that it’s okay to be me in every capacity. Even if people look at it as I care too much! ❤️
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You are very welcome and I am glad you could find something useful in the post. People who are not empaths will find it hard to relate and may never understand our motives. In the end it is always ok to stay true to yourself and we should never lose who we are because of others.
Xoxoxoxo
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❤
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Thank you very much, I’m honored. Have a great night.
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I’ve recently met someone over the internet, a random conversation while playing an app. I felt automatically drawn to this person, they had so much to offer even though our conversation was very short. Turns out she is an empath and I feel truly lucky to have been able to speak with her.
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That is really great and I’m glad you connected and had a great conversation. People come into our lives for a reason and even though the time might have been short, you still were able to have the experience. Thank you for stopping by and commenting.
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I am a self diagnosed empath who completely gets what you’ve sad about being an empath. It was interesting to figure it out and I have been actively exploring it ever since.
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Yes and once you become aware it is eye opening to say the least. It helps us understand ourselves a little better in the journey of self discovery and I find it very interesting and intriguing. Thank you for stopping by and commenting. Have a wonderful day.
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I love how this speaks to me, your description of how you found out, this is exactly how I feel. I was/am married to a narcissist and it has sucked the energy out of me, he is able to somehow from a distance get inside me, no matter how much protection I put around me, it’s been 20 years. I am a Reiki Master Practitioner and this has helped change my life, I finally found the courage to leave he has been gone a year this Sunday. Thank you for your beautiful words, I adore the written word😊
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First of all good for you and congratulations. Without even knowing you, I feel such relief for you and I am beyond honored for your kind words in regards to this post. It takes somebody who has experienced similar things like this to understand and I’m happy that you could find purpose in the meaning of those words.
Thank you so much for stopping by, taking the time to read and your kind words. Much love to you.
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I recently came across the term quite like you did. What an awakening. At 54 years of age my entire life finally makes sense.
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Yes it’s pretty eye opening and we are about the same age. Not that I think it takes being a certain age, but there are definitely some time requirements for experiences to mount up to that point. Thank you very much for sharing and for stopping by.
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Absolutely. I’ll be watching your blog. 😀
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You are too kind, thank you ❤
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