Even just being aware that we are taking on another's pain can be challenging, sometimes it just sneaks up on me and I don't know I'm doing it or that something will affect me as much as it does. Start ruminating about something or other at 3 AM for instance, that isn't mine to worry about.

I'm OK with being affected BTW, I think the world needs more people like us frankly! But yes sometimes it gets to be too much and a person has to make sure they are taking care of themselves first.