There is this really interesting thing that happens when we aren’t taking the time to fill our own buckets.
When others need us to be present, or when we need to be present for ourselves … we can’t!
It is impossible to pour from an empty glass, am I right?
Put on your own oxygen mask first, am I right?
But we don’t always do that.
I was reminded of that during a recent interaction with a coworker. They made a kind comment to me saying, “I’m so glad we get to work together, it feels like I have a friend.”
In that moment, I didn’t even know what to say in reply.
I was so struck by her kind and straightforward comment that it took me a while to process what that interaction meant to me.
Here’s the thing, I hadn’t been filling my own bucket for a long time. In fact, my bucket has been drained, perforated, dumped out, and banged up. And I hadn’t really done anything about it.
I felt so lifted up by my coworker's comment. It almost felt like she was saying something more important.
It felt like she was saying
Here is your bucket. It doesn’t look smooth or polished right now, but it is yours. Fill it up, and things will look better. Here, I’ll help you start.
We don’t have anything to give if we aren’t taking care of ourselves. I don’t know if she knew the impact her words would have, but they left me feeling inspired.
So, my challenge to you today is twofold.
First
Take a moment to check in with yourself.
Ask yourself what is weighing on your heart. When you do that, consider making a plan to talk to a loved one, a mentor, or a professional, if necessary.
Second
Take a quick moment to make a small deposit into someone else’s bucket. That can look like a kind word, a text, or a smile in the elevator.
As we become more aware of what our needs are, we can see those needs in others. As we take care of our needs, we can more healthily see and meet the needs of those around us.
In case you need a helpful start, I’ll offer up a kind word the way my colleague did.
I’m glad you’re here. You are seen and you matter.
Until next time, I’ll send you off to go tend to your own buckets.