A survival guide for the soul of an animal empath
As empaths, we’re sensitive to what’s going on around us and we feel everything. And as animal empaths, we often feel the need to help and nurture animals.
It usually starts in childhood. Maybe we were already into rescuing animals back then. (I remember feeding a stray cat with my mother’s tuna fish.) Sometimes it turns into a profession, volunteer work or just doing it whenever we can.
We can also have our own “herd” of animals that we’ve accumulated over time. And even though we have to say “goodbye” at some point and deal with animal loss (which is very painful for the empath), we still can’t resist opening our heart again to another animal.
And sometimes, the new fur friend can help to fill the void that was left by another one. (I’ve done this before.) But the cycle continues: Helping, healing and nurturing our friends from the animal kingdom.
Sometimes we can end up accumulating more animals than we can handle efficiently because we have such a strong desire to help. And then we may need to find homes for some, as though we’ve created our own little animal rescue.
In the case of divorce or other major life events, we may need to let go and rehome animals (a very difficult situation that I found myself in). And all of the ups and downs that we go through because of our love of animals can be exhausting.
It’s an ongoing drive to help them as much as we can, but in the meantime; we may be neglecting ourselves. Exhaustion and burnout can set in, as we continue to give as much as we can.
And sometimes it becomes hard to give anymore. Then it can change our attitude from being kind, helpful and caring to the other extreme: Grouchy. (Been there, done that.)
And why wouldn’t we be? We’ve been selflessly caring for others, and using up every ounce of energy in the process. Then when we become drained, there’s little left for us to give.
Then it’s time to get back into balance. So, if you’ve been feeling this way; what have you done for yourself lately? Are you re-filling your own cup?
When our cup runs dry, our energy drops big time. Then the sweet soul that’s at the core of our being no longer feels that “spark” in life.
How do we fix that? One of the keys that I look at when I help guide others to get unstuck and on track in life is to look at eight areas to see where things are off. I also connect the dots on how each area impacts the other, and intuitively dive into what’s going on underneath the surface.
Here’s the eight areas of balance:
- Money
- Health
- Family and Friends
- Physical Environment
- Fun and Recreation
- Career and Life Purpose
- Spiritual Alignment
- Romance and Intimacy
The truth is that we don’t always consider individual areas of happiness in life, and we can be neglecting either one or several of them. Of course we don’t do it on purpose, it just happens that way.
How do we get balance back in our life? Take a look at the eight areas and journal on them. How do you feel about each area? Are you satisfied with where you are or do you need a change? And of course doing it without self-judgement is important.
It’s rare to feel “perfect” in each area, and taking time to reflect and adjust our situation is critical. And sometimes, we need to get away to take a deep breath, reflect and get the clarity we need to get back on track.
Because taking the time to pause for ourselves isn’t selfish; but a much-needed chance to get re-aligned in our direction. (And there’s no shame in changing directions.)
A retreat can help with this (something I offer to other sensitives), because it’s hard to read the label when we’re inside the jar. And sometimes, we need to step away to get that clarity again.
If that’s not possible, then getting virtual outside help gives us the insight that we might not be able to find ourselves. In the meantime, self-reflection on a deeper level can open the door to seeing our lives more clearly.
So breathe, take a break and take a look within. Allow yourself to re-discover your amazing, healing gifts when you practice it with yourself.
When you re-discover that balance, it allows you to be so much more effective in being the healer you truly are. And in the end, the world is a much better place when you love yourself and share that love in the most powerful way.
Unplug. Re-charge. Re-discover. Those steps will help you to be the best version of you and your awesomeness.
Finally, here’s an affirmation for you: Every time I pause to care for myself, I deepen my capacity to care for others.
“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.” – Caroline Myss
If your soul is whispering that it’s time to come home to yourself, I invite you to take the next gentle step.
🌿 Book a complimentary Clarity, Healing & Purpose Session — a sacred space where we explore what’s feeling heavy, where your soul wants to lead you, and how to reconnect to your inner fire.
This session is for animal empaths, sensitives, and heart-centered humans who are tired of walking this path alone. If you’re ready to shift from exhaustion to aligned action, this is where we begin.
Let’s do this — together.
