Yes! This is the paradox of being an infinite Being incarnate in finite human form. On one level we are infinite and at One with Everyone and Everything. But on this finite embodied level we have limits and boundaries. Sometimes we need to say “no” - whether it be to family members who would suck us dry, to friends who would take advantage of our empathic compassionate natures, etc.
We must be compassionate and loving to ourselves as well as others, but oftentimes in order to be compassionate to ourselves, we must say “no” and set boundaries with others. There are many folks, whether they be family members, friends, or just an addict living on the street who wants us to give them money for more drugs, where it can be the compassionate thing - for ourselves and for them - to say “no” I can’t do that! Some Buddhists call this “Fierce Compassion.” If one is feeling worn out and burned out by the demands of others, that may be the time to check in with oneself if more boundaries are needed. Even if on the ultimate level “we are All One.”
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