Unconditional love doesn’t mean self-abandonment.
Animals and our relationship with them are the main part of this story, but bear with me for a moment. I used to talk a lot about narcissistic relationship recovery, because I’ve been through it in a horrendous way.
And empaths naturally attract narcissists because we feel deeply. However, the narcissist is cut off from their emotions. (As they say, opposites attract.)
The theme around narcissistic relationship prevention and recovery is self-love. Because when we love and respect ourselves, the love-bombing of the narcissist doesn’t have the same impact.
And after the narcissistic relationship, we’re left with a very painful, aching hole in our heart. Then it becomes a lesson in coming back to ourselves, and filling our heart with our own unconditional love.
The narcissist becomes an agent of change. In a strange way, animals are teaching us the same lesson. The teacher is different, but the invitation is the same: love others without abandoning yourself.
At first, this may not seem to make a lot of sense. As animal empaths, we see animals as having pure hearts who deserve our unconditional love.
But this is where it gets dicey. If we’re not careful, we can turn ourselves into a doormat of neglect, or worse – self-abuse.
And this isn’t meant to sound critical, because this message comes from the heart. Animals can be a lesson in self-preservation.
As I watch other animal empaths on social media, I can see the rabbit hole they’re going down. It’s a trail of exhaustion, lack of self-care, and sometimes heartache. (There’s no judgment here, because I’ve been on this road.)
Here’s what it looks like when animal empaths are caught in the trap:
- Trying to rescue so many animals that they’re burning themselves out.
- Sacrificing their own wellbeing by believing they can save the animal kingdom single-handedly.
- Believing they can help the aggressive animal that nearly puts them in the hospital, and maybe does.
- Draining their energy and bank account for the sake of “love”. (Note the similarity between human and animal relationships.)
- Struggling mentally, financially, emotionally, and physically—to the point of “dis-ease.”
Animal Wisdom Moment: This is not how animals live their lives, and it’s not how they want us to live ours.
We’re not meant to be the “sacrificial lamb.” Animal wisdom includes healthy boundaries.
This is very similar to what the narcissist teaches us. And when we don’t get the lesson, it keeps repeating itself in a not-so-fun kind of way.
So allow me to ask you this question: Are you loving yourself as much as you love animals? If you’re practicing self-care, getting enough rest, and covering your own financial needs, you’re living a more balanced life.
But if you’re struggling, drained, exhausted, or just plain doing too much, then it’s time to go deep into what’s going on. (Begin by stepping back, looking at the bigger picture, and giving yourself grace.)
For me, it was the “cosmic two-by-four” that kept hitting me over the head, as a reminder to take care of myself. So my mission is to spread that lesson far and wide.
I’m writing this because I care deeply about your well-being and your ability to thrive. After all, we need you to be healthy and happy so you can keep on doing whatever it is that you do best.
Your unique gifts are needed in the world, now more than ever. Animals need you. People need you.
But your kind, sensitive soul needs to be protected, and only you can do it. No one else can do it for you.
So please take stock of your current situation, and consider whether it’s time to set some healthy boundaries. If you’re overloaded, it may be time to take something off your plate, and that’s okay.
Remember not to judge yourself for it, because that’s another layer of treating yourself like a doormat. You don’t deserve that. Instead, you deserve to love yourself as much as you love the animals in your care.
It’s not selfish. It’s not out of character. But it is the only way you can keep doing what you’re doing, while honoring the animals who love you back.
Allow yourself to receive the same unconditional love you so freely give them. Instead of struggling, you’ll be thriving – and so will your animal companions.
PS: If you’ve struggled with narcissistic relationships, check out my article Narcissist And Empath: A Ticking Toxic Timebomb
🍃 Seeking healing, clarity, or support finding your way forward? Explore intuitive guidance and transformational experiences designed to help you reconnect with yourself through the wisdom of animals:
👉 https://mustangmindset.com/work-with-me/
🐴 Want to deepen your connection with your animal? Learn animal communication through my self-paced course, Mastering Animal Communication:
👉 https://mustangmindset.com/learn-animal-communication/
🐾 Subscribe to The Animal Empath Journal for free weekly reflections and animal wisdom—or join the Intuitive Animal Circle for monthly Animal Oracle Messages, exclusive meditations, and bonus teachings.
