I spent a week of resetting and refilling my cup.

Well OK let me be honest with you it was the week that also included vodka, all day in the pool, lobsters and the consumption of carbs, carbs and more carbs. I almost missed the bus because I went back to the restaurant to snag a piece of cake for the plane don’t judge me.

With all that being said one of the things I ensured that I did was take my early morning solo stroll and do some introspection and planning as to how I wanted to move forward in 2019. This was soooo filling. One thing that stool out for me, was that it was time to create MORE. The same goes for you!

Take some time to fill up so you can reach for more!

It’s time to reach for MORE! If you’re tired and worn out all the time, it’s difficult to create MORE. That’s why taking care of yourself is so important.

Whether you “fill your cup first” or need to learn to do so, make time for the self-care and joy you deserve.

On our return flight, they told me to to put on my own mask first so I am then able to help others. Hmmm my baby boy was with me on the flight, but I totally get it, If you’re not breathing oxygen, you’ll be no good to anyone else, especially your kids and loved ones

“Filling your own cup” first is important so you are able to function as the best possible you. Only then will you be able to really BE THERE for other people in your life.

Love yourself in order to love others. If you consistently allow the needs to others to be a priority over your own needs, your love will turn to bitterness and resentment.

Being worn out all the time is a sign of a dry cup.

There have been seasons in my life where I was burned out and had a dry cup. Some situations simply require more time than you seem to have in a day.

Look at your filling your cup as your personal supply of energy. With an empty cup, you risk not being able to lead yourself, much less able to be there 100% for your family, friends, and job. How full is your cup? Are you fulfilled?

Your job is to fill your own cup, so it overflows. Then you can serve others, joyfully, from your saucer.

Grab your pen and your paper and create a list of the things that fills you up and the actions you will be taking to get them done. I am also sharing some practices below if you need a place to start.

6. WAYS TO FILL YOUR CUP

  1. Find and Make “ME” Time – You seriously NEED that time for a few minutes every single day.
  2. Pursue Your Passion – Pick something you like to do and do it every single day. No I’m not smoking crack, I’m serious. Is it reading? Is it knitting? Is it gardening or walking your pet pooch? Whatever brings you joy, find a way to let that in. Your smile and the contentment it brings will be worth it!
  3. Get Moving – you don’t have to run a marathon, but exercising does something wonderful for your body and mind. It releases endorphins and makes you feel better. Whatever you love doing – walking, running, yoga, rollerblading, snowshoeing, Zumba, do that. Schedule it in, make yourself stop and move. Even 10 minutes of stretching can transform your mindset and day!
  4. Help Others– Just knowing a small act can make someone’s day totally is incredibly fulfilling. So volunteer at a hospital or do something smaller like help an elderly neighbour grocery shopping. Just think about making space for others and see what happens.
  5. Spend Time with Nature– When’s the last time you just sat and watched the branches swaying in the wind or listened to the birds in the morning. Sometimes being with natur is all we need to fill our cups. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the vitamin D seeping from the sun into your skin, give yourself some time to literally stop and smell the roses.
  6. Gratitude– Overdose on gratitude, it raises your altitude. An attitude of gratitude means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, on a regular basis, for both the big and small things alike. As Howes puts it, “If you concentrate on what you have, you’ll always have more”