For the most part, being generous with my time and being kind-hearted towards my challenges comes naturally (thank goodness). But occasionally, I find myself struggling to be generous and my first reaction is often frustration. Why can't I just be loving? Why can't I just feel good about giving my time / attention / money / etc. to this? Why does it feel like a struggle here?
If we are being honest with ourselves, we admit that we cannot give that which we do not have. If our own cup isn't full, we can't pour into everyone around us. If our own needs are not being met, we are not going to feel very good spending our time and attention and funds meeting someone else's needs. The whole "put your own oxygen mask on before assisting others" on a plane scenario (I know, I hate hearing that one, too). But it's true.
What I'm getting to here is that you are allowed to fill your own cup. We are obligated to find our own oxygen before we can help anyone else find theirs. We need to take a step back and assess our own needs before we can meet everyone else's. And let me be the first to say, this is really hard. I know everyone depends on you. I know your to-do list is a mile and a half long. I know you don't feel like you have time for this stuff. I know, because I'm right here with you and I feel the same way.
Please, take half an hour today and do the things that fill your cup. If not for your own wellness then do it for the wellness of all those hearts who depend on you. Whatever brings you joy, do more of that. And know that we are right here with you, and we're learning right here with you, to put on our own oxygen masks before we assist everyone else.
Our goal is to always have our cups so full that they consistently spill out into your life when you're here in the studio. We really do find joy in helping you create, in helping you feel warm and fuzzy and loved and wonderful. Stop by and create with us and you'll see what I mean. We just stinkin' love what we do, and we want to share it with you. And we strive to be a place that brings you joy, that helps you relax and reset and fill your own cup. So you can keep on being awesome and pouring into your kids, your family, your coworkers, your community.
Happy Sunday, y'all.
