In life it’s all about balance. The good versus bad. Finding the perfect amount of play versus work. We juggle so many tasks at once and try to be present for others, often we forget to put ourselves first and check in with who matters most: YOU. You cannot pour from an empty cup, yet time and time again we are tirelessly pouring into others while giving ourselves bottom of the cup backwash. If you’re anything like me, it’s difficult to say no. Especially when your fulfillment comes from helping others, it can be hard to think about yourself first without feeling a little selfish. At the end of the day, no one is going to look out for you better than yourself and people are going to keep taking what you’re giving! Try to find the perfect balance, and remember you are Number 1, so act like it!
Being there for everyone but you only leads to burn out and frustration, and you simply end up in a negative mindset, thinking you help so many others but none is there to help you. Instead of setting those boundaries or asking for the help you need, you neglect your own personal feelings and place that burden onto others. It’s time to put that pride aside and recognize you cannot do it all, and rest is necessary. Resting is essential and without it, you are not performing at your optimal potential.
Begin practicing the selfless act of setting aside time for yourself. It all starts with discipline, which is the key to balance. Practice makes perfect, and you may struggle to get the hang of it at first, but when you keep trying at the goals you set for yourself you’ll get better at achieving them.
Allow your mind to be your motivation and not your devastation; afterall, it all starts in the mind. You are your priority so check in with yourself first before agreeing to something. Ensure that you are setting time aside every day to take a moment and breathe.
To my entrepreneurs and moms and busy bees, who believe there is just not enough hours in the day, you’d be surprised how much you can attain when you just step outside of your comfort zone and schedule that time away for a moment and be still with just you and your presence. Honor yourself by doing something simple and kind for yourself throughout your day; it makes a great difference.
You are a representation and reflection of your life and you are only as strong as your mindset, so begin framing that to yourself first and going back to oneself before giving to others and you will see just how much more you can give when you are no longer pouring from an empty cup.
