As empaths, we’re sensitive people. It makes us great humanitarians.
We have empathy toward others because we feel their emotions. We want to help them, because it actually helps us with the suffering that we feel, and we want relief too.
It’s a quality that makes us awesome in so many ways. We come to the rescue of others, which can be humans or animals.
But we may want to help others who are suffering so much, that we neglect ourselves. We put others needs before our own, and while we’re helping others to be happy; we can become rundown and unhappy in the long run.
That same amazing sensitivity can also backfire when we attract in unsavory people such as narcissists. This is because our desire as empaths to help others is attractive to the narcissist’s emotional neediness.
We as empaths can be attracted to the charm and perceived confidence of the narcissist. The narcissist seems vulnerable, and our empathic desire to help them is very satisfying; until it turns into the perfect storm.
Empaths can burn themselves out trying to please the narcissist and care for them, but the narcissist has a void that can never be filled. We become drained in the process, as we neglect our own needs and desires.
In the end, the empath is usually discarded by the narcissist, unless they can find enough strength to leave and not be sucked back in and kept on the side like a spare tire.
In the meantime, animals are often the saving grace for the empath. (Been there, done that.) As an animal lover, I’ve often said that my beloved corgi got me through the hell of it all.
Then I leaned into the beautiful energy of horses for healing. Because the truth is that we empaths have a love of animals because they’re empaths as well.
They nurture us with their wagging tail, purring or other reaction that lets us know we’re not alone. Animals also show unconditional love.
Whether we have a good day or a horrible one, they’re always there no matter what. We can often feel that we’d like to just retreat somewhere with our furry friends, and leave humans behind.
They’re not only the antidote to healing from narcissists, they also help to balance us out on a daily basis. And when we lose them due to their shorter lives, it can feel devastating.
Many of us have multiple animals with different personalities, that can help us depending on our own mood. Some of us like to run with our dogs, while others like to chill with our cats.
Either way, having that buffer in our lives can keep us sane. Animal therapy is real, and when it comes to dealing with narcissists or ANY trauma that can come up in life, our animals are something we know we can count on.
So lean into that fur baby love to stay sane in this crazy world, while remembering to take care of you. You’ll not only live a richer life, but your beloved animals will benefit as well.
PS: Are you struggling with the trauma bond from a narcissist? The Reclaim Your Power mini masterclass will help you break the bond, create healthy boundaries and love yourself again. (For 1:1 help, schedule your complimentary Healing Clarity Call.)
If you’re looking to fill the void in your heart from animal loss, sign up for the free virtual event: Guided by Animal Angels — 3 Steps to Find Peace After Animal Loss
