One. Giving and Exhausting Yourself

List of Things I Thankfully Learned Earlier in Life:

One. The true meaning of giving or helping. A close friend's mom told her daughter, a friend of mine, a valuable lesson this said friend also shared with me. Something my mom, have unconsciously taught me and my younger siblings as well. Just without terming the act.

She told her, "When you are to lend a hand, an ear, or a shoulder, make sure you do this until you feel the weight of their troubles yourself."

The first time I heard about it, my heart clenched. I felt cold and warm at the same time. Goosebumps ran through my skin. As it meant that only when you've exhausted yourself helping others could one truly say, "Ah. I was of help."

Aunty and mom, they were friends. Only halfway of after a year of knowing each other did my friend and I found out about our mothers' friendship. But it is no wonder why they came to be friends. Those that are willing to give more than what they could offer. Those that would not hesitate volunteer their own hands, even their own ship sinking. Those that would readily share their own food, even when they too are starving.

Of course, others would find this a little too much, some kind of toxic. "Wouldn't it be more of a trouble to give when you have little to offer?", "Think for yourself first!", or the classic, "Show off." You are allowed to have your own opinions, as you may also be looking at this from different perspectives. But if you were raised by a person who follows the same principle and not once, since ever, uttered even a single complaint, you would know. You would understand. That you may lose some time, strength or resources, you'll gain self-respect. You get to tell yourself every day, that you are someone who wouldn't abandon a single person even when you struggle yourself. And from the eyes that get to watch that aunty and mom of mine, I am more than happy to learn from such admirable human beings.