At Principia 2011, best-selling author, Lisa Nichols, shared an insight that when applied has the power to transform your life, allowing you to be more effective in every area. This concept can support you in achieving balance and feeling energized, rather than drained, by life’s demands.
Lisa used a pitcher of water, a glass, and a tray to demonstrate this powerful concept. First, she filled the glass with water from the pitcher. Then, she poured water from the glass into the tray. The glass, again empty, was then refilled and poured into the tray once more. Lisa asserted that if you give from your cup, you deplete your own supply of energy and vitality. You have to wait to refill before you can give again. Next, Lisa filled the cup one last time, yet this time, she kept pouring and let the water spill out into the tray. If you give from your overflow, Lisa explained, you give from a place of limitless abundance. You create a dynamic in which you can give to others by giving to yourself.
Have you ever given so much to others that you felt drained of your own resources? Give from your overflow!
Imagine how much more effective you would be as a partner, a friend, a parent, a business owner, an employee, a neighbor, if you gave from your overflow; if you gave to others without taking from yourself. Your internal supply of love, joy, and support is limitless, however it does require nurturing.
What are ways you can nurture yourself so that you can give from your overflow?
Think about the things that truly bring you joy. For some it’s meditating or exercising. For others it’s playing an instrument or a sport. Some people fill their cups by engaging with friends and family, while other people require alone time to rejuvenate the reservoirs within. What are the things you do just for you? It’s all too easy to get caught up in the day-to-day duties of life, balancing a career, relationships, finances, health, and more only to forget to include yourself.
Give to yourself first, and give to others from your overflow. When you are able to give without taking from yourself, you will experience the fulfillment and bliss that this abundance creates.