From the earliest memories I have, it seemed like people were naturally drawn to me, even when I wasn’t always the friendliest soul around. There were moments when I found myself being stubborn and distant, quick to sever ties over the smallest of imperfections. Reflecting back on those times, I realize now that it was my toxic way of safeguarding myself from the potential pain of being hurt. I clung to grudges like they were my only armor, convinced that life had dealt me an unfair hand. Emotions? They felt like a foreign language to me, something I struggled to comprehend.

Yet, here’s the twist: those very same individuals I struggled to understand were the ones who sought solace in my advice. It was a paradox, really! They were the ones I often found myself being harshest towards, secretly admiring their ability to feel deeply in a world that I struggled to connect with emotionally. Then there were the strong-minded individuals who clashed with me, reminding me too much of my mother. I instinctively kept my distance from them, fearing that they would see through the facade of strength to the vulnerability that lay beneath. My outward toughness was merely a mask to conceal the pain I carried within. To avoid being exposed, I maintained a safe distance.

However, it was the ones who needed someone to champion them, to speak up on their behalf when they couldn’t, who truly got me into trouble. I couldn’t help but empathize with them, especially when life dealt them a cruel hand. They mirrored my own childhood struggles, as I often felt defenseless, overlooked, and unheard. I fought for them, hoping against hope that someone would one day stand up for me in the same way. Ironically, they were often the first to disappear when faced with adversity.

Regardless of who they were, people always felt comfortable sharing their stories with me. It took me a while to come to terms with it, but I’ve come to understand that I am what they call an empath. We’re the ones who feel the emotions of others as if they were our own, deeply attuned to the emotional energy that surrounds us. For years, I saw it as a burden, merely listening to the struggles of others while failing to confront my own shortcomings. But then something shifted. After my profound spiritual awakening, I began to see people in a new light. I realized that beneath the facade, everyone simply longs to be heard and understood.

And you know what? My purpose suddenly became crystal clear: to love. It was a revelation that emerged during my Ayahuasca journey a few years ago, a reminder that my purpose in this life is to spread love and understanding wherever I go. So now, I’m here for anyone who needs a little dose of that. And maybe, just maybe, by opening my heart to others, I can finally learn to embrace my own vulnerabilities and find the healing that I’ve been searching for all along.