The Unsung Hero: Supporting Others at the Expense of Personal Fulfillment

Amidst the chaos and the challenges of life, I find myself in a unique position. Supporting others has become a crutch, one that I frequently lean on, often at the expense of my own well-being. This essay explores my journey of supporting those around me, sharing the immense weight of responsibility and the sacrifices made along the way.

The Lifeline: My Mother's Struggle

Other than my animals, my mother is the one who relies on me the absolute most. She is a testament to resilience and perseverance. In the face of her father's passing, my great-uncle Sam denied multiple exemptions and levied fines on my mother, citing un-reimbursed medical expenses. Despite the initial efforts from an HR Block accountant to seek clarification from the IRS, the expenses were ultimately disallowed in two separate audits of the same tax year.

My mother, who has been through the pain of losing two husbands, now relies on my financial support to keep her home secure. An eye infection that could've been covered by Medicare/Medicaid left her in a financially strained position, forcing me to step in and pay her mortgage. This predicament is further exacerbated by the gig of MAGAts (Make America Great Again Trump supporters) who, in my view, continue to support corporations that overcharge for medical services.

Physical Strain and Career Impact

My mother's work as an inspector of circuit boards took its toll on her physical health, wearing out her originally 20/20 eyes and damaging her knee from tripping over hoarded tubs of circuit boards. These injuries highlight the often unseen costs of labor that can go unrecognized in the race to provide.

My own career path has been altered due to trade tariffs, shifting from permanent employment to contract work. This change underscores the impact of external forces on personal stability and the necessity to adapt to survive.

Personal Sacrifice and Limitations

One of the most profound realizations I've had is the extent of my personal sacrifice in attempting to support others. I've put my family in egg donation programs rather than starting my own, all to facilitate a more balanced life. This decision was driven by the overwhelming burden of supporting two generations above me, leaving me no time or energy to invest in my own family.

Managing Unhealthy Dependency

My clients whom I assist often rely on me for solutions to 'life problems' they either lack the motivation or ability to tackle themselves. However, I have recently encountered a challenge in managing this overreliance. Many of these individuals demand assistance that I believe they would abuse, making it difficult to continue. Currently, my only significant reliance is on my cats, with one beloved feline no longer present in my life.

The weight of responsibility is immense, but I am now understanding that I am also the person who relies on me most. This realization has been transformative in reinforcing the importance of self-care and maintaining a balance between supporting others and ensuring my own well-being.

As I reflect on my journey, I urge others to consider the long-term impacts of overreliance and to prioritize their own fulfillment and growth, seeking the external support they need without putting undue strain on themselves or those around them.