"他人に自分を貸しても、自分には自分を与えなさい"

The idea here is simple yet profound: You can help others, but don’t lose yourself in the process. It’s that balance between giving and maintaining your own well-being.

This quote has roots in the wisdom of Renaissance thinkers. It was said by Michel de Montaigne, a French philosopher from the 16th century. Montaigne was known for his reflective essays that explored human nature, friendship, and the art of living. He believed in the importance of self-awareness and the need to preserve one's own sense of self while engaging with the world around them.

Imagine you're at work, and you’ve got this colleague who’s always asking for help. It starts with small things—covering a shift, helping with a project here and there. You like being helpful, so you say yes. But suddenly, you’re buried under a mountain of work that isn’t even yours, and you’re staying late every night. You’re exhausted. Your own projects are falling behind. You start to feel resentful and stressed out. This is a classic case of lending too much of yourself to others and not keeping enough for your own needs.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your life? Start by setting boundaries. It’s totally okay to say no sometimes. It might feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s necessary. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Think about what you need to stay balanced and healthy, then protect that space fiercely. Maybe it’s time alone, exercise, hobbies, or just downtime. Make sure you’re not sacrificing these essential parts of your well-being to always be there for others.

Here’s a story. Picture Sarah, a high school teacher. She’s passionate about her job and loves her students. Sarah often stays after school to help with tutoring, organizes extra-curricular activities, and is the go-to person for any school event. She’s admired for her dedication. But Sarah starts to burn out. She’s tired all the time and doesn’t have energy for herself or her family. She realizes she’s been giving too much of herself away. So, she decides to make a change. She sets clear boundaries about her availability, starts delegating tasks, and makes sure she has time for her own interests—like reading and yoga. She’s still there for her students, but she’s also taking care of herself. And you know what? She’s happier, more energetic, and, ironically, more effective at her job.

Think about your own life. Are you giving too much of yourself away? Where can you draw some boundaries? It doesn't mean you stop helping or caring about others. It just means you also care about yourself. Find that sweet spot where you can be there for others without losing sight of your own needs. It’s a balancing act, but one that’s crucial for a fulfilling, sustainable life.