An Open Letter to An Overwhelmed Empath.

Rider Tarot Card Two of Swords Reversed: “The Two of Swords can signify being able to see the truth of a matter after a period of mental fogginess and finally being able to make a decision as a result. It can also represent lies being exposed.”  

An empath has a keen and cunning ability to sense and absorb the emotion of others. It’s a powerful gift, but it can also be exhausting—trust me, I know.

People act out of fear, love, lust, curiosity, or even boredom. When you’re trying to let go of confrontational situations, it’s hard to detach yourself from the emotions that come with them. We say things like “It’s fine” or “I’ll be okay” to trick our minds into staying positive, but often, it’s just a way of ignoring the feelings we’d rather not face. Ignoring those uncomfortable emotions, which are key to our growth, only builds more unease. That’s why personal growth can be slow and painful—hence the term growing pains. Those feelings of stagnation that creep in? They’re a sign that something inside you needs to be acknowledged.

As an empath, you might feel disconnected from your surroundings because your focus is often on the past or the future—where you’ve been or where you’re heading—rather than the present. This sensitivity heightens in times of turmoil, transitions, or relationship upheaval. And that’s completely normal.

The challenge for an empath is to accept emotions as they come, allow yourself to feel them, and then release them. Holding onto grudges or unresolved feelings isn’t productive and only pulls you further from your purpose—living with love, empathy, and compassion. Staying emotionally tied to people or situations that no longer serve you weighs you down, both mentally and physically. And anyone who says not to cry clearly doesn’t understand how healing it can be. Emotional release creates space for reflection and, in turn, gratitude for whatever situations you’ve faced, acknowledging them as lessons in life.

Reflecting on those emotions is what ultimately pushes you forward. You know deep down that you want the best for the people in your life, whether they’ve hurt you, loved you, or supported you. People project their inner struggles as a way to cope with their own reality. Once you recognize that, the world that once felt overwhelming starts to look clearer and more manageable.

Empaths often go above and beyond to support others emotionally, but sometimes that comes at the cost of their own well-being. When people project their burdens onto you, think of it as a test. If you’ve done your own inner work, you’ll be able to set boundaries and move forward with greater self-awareness. Something to remember is that they are responsible for keeping themselves accountable. Whether you stay overwhelmed or grow into a stronger version of yourself depends on that inner work. Growth may be slow, but it’s steady—and it should never come at the expense of your well-being.

Love from someone who loves too much too,

C