"Not my Problem"

This little phrase popped in my head today. It was one I learned at the Berkely Psychic Institute over 20 years ago. As a healer, and a very empathic person, I tend to willingly take on other peoples problems. In fact, I've had to create a ritual for myself in the evenings. this includes showering or taking bath, letting go of the energy of the day. In my work, I exchange a lot with my clients. I love it. The way I practice is very honest and open-hearted. My work reminds me that we are all human with similar struggles. 
But, It can also feel heavy and at times draining. To be clear, I strongly believe in helping others and compassion. I am empathetic to financial struggles, pain and hard times. But, I can't be a martyr either. 
I played a game in my meditation today. I went through my energetic space, looking at where I had taken on others problems as mine, and said to myself "Not my problem". It did not take long, I combined in with some stretching. 20 minutes later, I went from feeling burdened to a lot lighter. I still felt tired, not perfect, but at least free. It's a great experiment, when we don't take on other peoples problems, we can actually come with solutions a lot easier. In Neurosculpting (R), that would be considered engaging the Pre-frontal cortex, where we can think from a "higher" place, seeing more options. There is always a way. 
So, when you feel yourself feeling responsible or that you might want to take on someone else's problem; You could say to yourself "Not my Problem". You might be a lot more help to yourself and others that way.