Q) Hari om
I am realising due to habit, love, compassion, empathy, and now I can say being a fool, I overlook myself and run to help people even at my cost. It affects me emotionally and financially, at times. How do I retrace and know how to differentiate where it’s ok to help and where just move on (as they could be making a fool of me)

A) Nobody can cheat you without your participation. No one can hurt you without your approval.

To overlook oneself and help people is the mark of a saint. Since the saint, has no ownership, doership, she doesn’t feel emotionally or financially affected in anyway.

But if you are affected by your actions, and if you have made a habit of overlooking yourself before helping others, then reflect on your intentions and actions. Any habit you form requires training and consistent practice. You have consistently taught people that you can be treated this way. So they are not to blame.

If you find yourself giving away more than you can, find out what’s the subconscious perk the ego is receiving. Without, subtle ego satisfaction there is no giving away. If the ego feels hurt and if your financially affected, find out why. Are you afraid to say no?, or do you want to create an image of a generous hearted person, compassionate, loving, etc.

Love, compassion, empathy are not products of training and practice.