"Aquellos que intentan reparar lo roto deben estar siempre preparados para romperse ellos mismos"

In essence, this quote highlights the idea that to truly help and heal others, you have to be ready to endure some pain and hardship yourself. It speaks to the truth that if you're stepping into the role of a fixer, a healer, or a support system, you’re opening yourself up to vulnerability and potential hurt. When you try to fix what's broken—whether it’s people, relationships, or systems—you have to be ready for the emotional toll it can take on you.

Think back to when this might’ve been said or considered. Historically, anyone in a caregiving position—nurses, therapists, social workers—will relate to this. They often face the pain of seeing others suffer, and sometimes, they take on some of that suffering themselves. It's not an easy path, and not everyone can handle it. But the ones who do are often the most compassionate and resilient.

Take, for instance, a real-life example of a social worker named Lisa. She works with children who’ve been through tough times—abuse, neglect, serious trauma. Every day, she listens to their stories, tries to find them better homes, and fights for their well-being. Does it affect her? Absolutely. She's had nights where she can’t sleep, thinking about the kids she couldn't help. She’s cried, felt helpless, and even questioned if she’s strong enough for this job. But she continues because she knows that her work can change lives. She’s prepared to break a little herself in the process of mending these broken lives because she believes in what she does.

If you find yourself wanting to help someone or fix something broken, here's some advice: brace yourself. It's going to be tough. But remember why you’re doing it. Keep your eyes on the impact you can make. Find your support system—people who get what you’re going through and can help you when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Self-care isn’t just a buzzword; it's essential. Take breaks when you need them. Don’t be afraid to step back and breathe, recharge, and come back stronger.

Imagine you're a friend of Lisa, and she tells you about a particularly rough day. A child she worked with had a serious relapse, and it hit her hard. She’s questioning her effectiveness and feeling the weight of the world. You remind her of the progress she’s made with other children, of the lives she’s already positively impacted. You tell her it’s okay to feel broken sometimes—that it’s part of the process. You share a moment of silence, and she realizes she's not alone. You remind her that her strength doesn’t come from never breaking, but from her ability to keep going despite it.

This concept resonates deeply because it's real and raw. We all have moments where we’re the ones trying to help—and moments where we need help. It’s a cycle, and understanding this can make us more empathetic and resilient. So, next time you’re in a position to mend the broken, remember to prepare yourself for the emotional toll. But also remember, it’s okay to break. It’s part of being human, and it’s part of the healing process.