Batter up.

I absolutely love the sound of the ball making contact with the bat and the excitement in watching the play in motion.

Will the outfielder catch the ball? Will the hitter make it to base? Will it be a homerun? Will the other players on base make it to the next base or better yet, Home? Just so much can happen in just that one play.

I have never been on a baseball team, but I seem to have been a pinch hitter more than not in my 50 some years.

I have a fault of defending my friends, co-workers, or just anyone that I may feel has been wronged or is not in a superior position.

I get myself into situations that may not have any impact on me or what I may be doing.

If a friend or someone that I feel any empathy for, tells me something that is happening or they're frustrated with, I'll go to bat for them. 

I never understood why I always found myself defending or making a stand about something that wasn't my problem. Recently, I took a personality test, just out of curiosity. 

Well, I'm a defender. I'm loyal. Supportive. Observant. Enthusiastic. I'm 68% introverted,70% observant, 67% feeling, 53% judging, and 54% assertive.

I'm not sure if these personality types explain why I feel the need to "go up to bat" for others.

When it comes down to it, I can't really say that my support has always been appreciated. Sometimes, it actually ends back on me and the person I'm "up to bat for" returns to their passiveness and leaves me looking and feeling that all my efforts were worth nothing.

It's crazy that who we are and what makes us who we are, can make more trouble for ourselves than good.

I'm learning, to not get involved. Not to feel that I have to make things right. 

We can be empathetic without putting ourselves in the "hot seat" and jeopardizing our own well-being and health.

If you're "on deck" or "up to bat", I'll support you and cheer you on, because I'm that kind of person and friend, but I'm not going to be your pinch hitter.

You got this!