You're no good to them sick!

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How many times have we heard this? I know I've heard it dozens of times. Do I listen? Usually not. I absolutely must help others. If I'm not doing something or writing something that will help someone in some way, then I feel my day has been wasted. The problem is that I often take this to the extremes. I help others despite my own comforts. I help others when I have no energy left. I help others whether I'm in pain or not (FM). I help others no matter what. Even when situations seem absolutely hopeless, I try to find some way to help make things a little brighter. Some call me a people pleaser. This is partly true. Mainly though, I just love to help others. Today I had to make some difficult decisions. They were very hard for me and I practically made myself sick worrying over them. You see, I'm allergic to smoke and I help two neighbors who smoke. Now, I won't lie, I do get paid for this help, but that was their idea and it helps me stay home and home school my daughter. I help out a teen with downs syndrome and her mother smokes. I also help out an elderly neighbor who smokes. I have tried everything to maintain my helpful attitude despite my own sufferings. I've tried hanging close to the doors and windows,covering my mouth and nose, holding my breath, and even darting outside for fresh air time and again. Nothing helped. It took four days with a horrible migraine (which is still hanging on by the way) to make me see the light. Its good to help people but I'm no good to them sick! So rather than leave them with no help, I drastically cut down on the time I'll be spending around them. Its all good. They will still get the help they need and I can dodge the smoke filled areas of their homes. Hopefully dodging another weekend of migraines. Just remember, wise words they are, "you're no good to them sick!".