You Cannot Serve From An Empty Vessel

A lot of us give and give and give until there’s nothing left for ourselves. We will work tirelessly to meet the needs of our families, help out friends and co-workers and stay involved with our places of worship and communities. Yet we never take time for ourselves.

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

Taking some time for you is one of the most important things you can do for yourself and for those you love. You cannot give your best if you are run down, out of energy, sleep deprived and always trying to catch up. It just isn’t possible to help others the way you want to if you yourself aren’t healthy.

I know when my husband reads this, he is going to say, “You need to practice what you preach.” And he will be right. I tend to go way too long between “soul replenishing” times. Way, way too long. But I’m learning. I’ve learned that if I don’t stop every now and then to replenish, my mind and body will demand some time away from my work.

If it is nothing more than you sitting on your bed with a cup of coffee, or sitting in front of a window watching the rain or snow, or taking a walk, or curling up with a good book–do something that replenishes your soul. Do something that brings you peace and lessens the stress and tension in your neck and shoulders. Turn your cell phones off. Shut down all mobile devices and desktops and just be. If your body needs a nap, nap. If you need to close your eyes and sleep half the day, do it. If your body needs it, your mind needs it. And if your mind needs a rest, your body does too.

Taking good care of yourself is not selfish. It is 100%, absolutely necessary.

Sending you blessings of love and gratitude from Sterrett, Alabama!
Charity

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