Caregving as Addiction

"I have been learning that the life of a caretaker is as addictive as the life of an alcoholic.  Here the intoxication is the emotional relief that temporarily comes when answering a loved one's need.  Though it never lasts, in the moment of answering someone's need, we feel loved."  Mark Nepo

I think this is something for caregivers to consider.  Although Mark Nepo is speaking of caretaking in general terms, those of us who become caregivers may very well be of the personality type that we are doing it out of our own need to feel loved -- which comes from a basic belief that we are not worthy of love as we are.  True giving must come from a place of knowing that we are all worthy of love, just the way we are.  As caregivers, it is appropriate periodically to review why we are meeting the needs of someone.  Considering our motive will help us remain disentangled.