I'm having a really hard time lately, and I'm hoping someone here can help who might have experienced something similar.

For the last year, I've really embraced Buddhism and turned myself around. I used to be a very self centered individual and sought out happiness through material things. I think for a variety of reasons, I'm no longer that kind of person. The main reason I credit, though, is my deepening appreciation of Buddhism. I went from a very "me" type person, to a one who almost always thinks of others first. And that is the crux of my problem.

I feel like I think of others to a fault now. I always try to help others and put them before me. Whereas before I would go out and buy myself something that I wanted, I now either donate money to a charity or buy something for someone because I know they need it or have expressed that they want it. I've found that doing things for others is much more rewarding than doing things for myself. However, I've also found that many people either don't want to be helped, don't like it, or just don’t appreciate it. I'm not doing these things to be thanked, thought highly of or to have something done in return. I genuinely try to be as authentically altruistic as I can and lately it feels like the world doesn't like people like that. It feels like the world is made to reward selfishness and turns a suspicious eye to people that try not to be.

This has become something that I've been struggling with lately. I meditate on it and do my best to accept the situation as it is. One of my maxims is "Be the change you want to see in the world". People have told me that I’m a doormat and people pleaser, but I’m not doing this at the detriment to myself or for glory. A little advice would be great right now.