Dying to self - a contrast of two definitions

Dying to self - a contrast of two definitions

I once perceived dying to self to be overlooking me to help you;

I once perceived it as forgetting my humanity to help humanity

I once perceived dying to self as suppressing my needs to meet yours;

I once perceived it as rising above who I am to support who you are..

What if dying to self is quite the opposite? 

And dying to self starts by embracing my humanity,

And it includes lowering myself from a need to be sensational

Down to my true place in humanity? 

What if dying to self is not a suffocation of my personal, private needs? 

But an inner expression and then addressing of those needs...

Followed by drawing upon a healthy "me" to help you,

Drawing upon inner wholeness to help a neighbor? 

And learning from my needs to help you articulate your own;

And using my past as a weapon to help fight off your enemies with you?