Before my children were let out of school for summer vacation, I thought long and hard about how I was going to survive another season acting as swim team chauffer, chief cooler packer and poolside cheerleader. I asked myself, knowing this was not my season, fully aware of my limits, what I could do differently to navigate the waters of crazyness and come out on the other end with a full cup instead of an empty one?
The answer was loud and clear. Me first.
I had to do something every day for myself that authentically filled my cup physically, emotionally, mentally or spiritually. Or ideally on all four levels. And I couldn’t wait until the end of the day or fit it in “if” there was time. I had to make myself a priority.
Giving and receiving are two polar opposites that need each other. I find myself in July giving out my energy far more than receiving, so it takes great awareness and practice to hold out my cup before I drain it completely.
When given thirty minutes of free time without obligation and I ask myself, What do I want to do right now? Want sends me spinning. It creates a long list unfolding out of my mind. I want to do hundreds of things that include a perfectly clean house and solving world hunger. After thirty minutes when it is time for an appointment, kids to care for or some impending task and I have done nothing to authentically refill, I am left holding a cup with a hole drilled in the bottom.
Instead if we pause and ask ourselves, What do I need? We are drawn to our wisdom within as we listen for our answer. Instead of spinning we are grounding. Instead of running and doing, we are being. I take a deep breath and by getting out of my head and going into my heart and gut to ask what I need, I receive answers like: I need quiet, I need food, I need rest. The next thirty minutes are then spent hearing the sound of stillness, making myself a meal, putting up my feet to read a book I love. All fuel for my body, mind and soul.
Ultimately our fuel benefits everyone, not just mom. Your spouse and children are the recipents of a calmer, more grounded woman who has taken the time to nurture herself which in turn nurtures the entire household. You don’t need me to tell you how everyone in turn breathes in the toxity of your empty cup. Wouldn’t you rather spread the contagious effects of a full cup?
Also by doing something first thing when I wake up in the morning centers me for the day. I have my routines in place. The family knows that every morning I meditate, write and read before I think about making their breakfast. These activities are my life blood. They feed me mentally, emotionally and spiritually for sure. Once we are at the pool, I go for a walk. My physical refill. All simple things I KNOW I NEED. When I put them off, I am draining my cup and when I embrace their benefit and partake in fueling my soul the whole family gains a recharged, rejuvenated, refilled, mama.
Summer is a great time to start new habits before the school year comes. You don’t have to wait until the school bell rings. Show your family how everyone profits from you taking care of your needs. Wouldn’t it be nice to start the new school year with a full cup?
Jenny Gwinn McGlothern fills her cup as a Certified Transformational Master Life Coach, Retreat Leader, Writer, Blogger and Teacher so that being a Mama to her two cuties doesn’t leave her empty.
She strongly believes that no one can pour from an empty cup. She inspires her clients to be their best selves believing that we all hold great wisdom within. This belief is the foundation of her monthly retreat business, Mama Needs A Refill, LLC. Writing is another way Jenny receives an authentic refill and is currently working on her first book, Mama Needs A Refill, Finding Light in the Madness of Motherhood. She is currently taking on new life coaching clients and can be found at www.mamaneedsarefill.com.
