Pour Into Yourself
“Rest and self-care are so important. When you take time to replenish your spirit, it allows you to serve others from the overflow. You cannot serve from an empty vessel.” ~ Eleanor Brownn
Life can be draining. The demand for our time & energy is never-ending. Family. Friends. Work. It can feel both stressful & exhausting. And people with big hearts tend to forget they have a limited capacity. For these reasons, you must make yourself a priority. You must do things to keep your mental, spiritual, and physical cup full. You can’t continue to pour into others and not replenish your own inner vessel. You can’t pour from an empty cup. When you take the steps necessary to ensure your cup runneth over, it makes it easier to be there for others without feeling drained & depleted.
“A healthy self-love means we have no compulsion to justify to ourselves or others why we take vacations, why we sleep late, why we buy new shoes, why we spoil ourselves from time to time. We feel comfortable doing things which add quality and beauty to life.”
~ Andrew Matthews
When you’re labeled as the “strong one” your time & energy will forever be in demand. And this is compounded when you’re also an effective listener. You’ll be the first one people call on to discuss their problems and, in some instances, solicit your advice. A stable & supportive voice of reason is a rare commodity, which makes your presence that much more needed. But you must remember you’re a limited resource, and if you don’t make the effort to consistently pour into yourself, it’s just a matter of time before you burn out. You must make feeding your spirit, and doing things that bring you peace, a priority. This could be any number of things, including reading your Bible, listening to sermons & motivational speeches, exercising, listening to music, meditating, traveling, or treating yourself to the things that bring you joy. Such as your favorite foods, new clothing & shoes, or getting a massage. Whatever it is, the implementation of “me” time is a must.
“If you feel “burnout” setting in, if you feel demoralized and exhausted, it is best, for the sake of everyone, to withdraw and restore yourself.” ~ Dalai Lama
You’re no good to yourself or anyone else if you’re always exhausted. Feeling the need to be there for others is admirable, but you must set boundaries. You must make your health a priority. One of the most effective steps you can take is to configure your phone to automatically switch to do not disturb during a set time. This designated block of time will ensure you get the rest necessary to function properly. Let people know in advance and it won’t come as a surprise. And don’t feel guilty for doing it. Chronic fatigue can lead to a weakened immune system, and you’re no good to yourself or anyone else sick, so being well-rested is of the utmost importance.
“Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.”
~ Parker Palmer
If you allow it, the world will drain you until you have nothing left. Therefore, it’s imperative you put your well-being first. Even the airline industry emphasizes putting your mask on before helping others during emergency situations. You must apply this thought process to your everyday lives. You deserve your love, affection, and compassion as much as, if not more than, everyone else. Making your needs a priority will enable you to be the best version of yourself for others. Keeping your spirit fed, your body strong, and your mind healthy will be the greatest gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones. Agape love doesn’t just apply to the love of others. It applies to self-love as well. Show yourself the kindness & grace you bestow upon others. You’re beyond deserving.
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