Not the Empty Cup Again
Even I Get to Places Where My Cup Runs Low.
A lot of times my clients come to me with an empty cup. They have poured out so much without getting a refill that they are exhausted from stress, desiring more peace, and searching for purpose and clarity. Together we expose and remove the Cup Drainers. Then we identify the Cup Fillers. A moment comes when the cup begins to fill and that is when danger can arise. The danger of thinking they have reached a final destination. Of settling back and releasing the intentionality that got them there. The Drainers can creep back in and the Fillers get put on the back burner. We work together to avoid that and keep the cup full.
Most times we are told not to give from an empty cup. But someone once shared a concept with me that went even further. Do not give from your cup at all. Give from the saucer. Sit with that for a moment.
Do not give from your cup. Give from the saucer.
The saucer receives the overflow. That means you are so focused on filling your cup that it overflows and that is what you share with others. At work. In your relationships. In your purpose. You remain full. Full of joy. Full of clarity. Full of peace and the capacity to live the life that makes you feel empowered.
I know all of this. I teach it. I coach it. I live it.
And still, even I get to places where my cup runs low.
What is interesting is that this time the pouring was for things I enjoy. Travel. Celebrating my 60th birthday. Beautiful moments with people I love. Coaching. Writing. The use of my time and energy was not wasteful or unintentional. But I was so busy living that I neglected my Cup Fillers. Once I recognized the deficit I stopped. Regrouped. Reemployed the Fillers. And now I have more capacity.
And still I recognize the need for more. A real respite. A concentrated time of prayer, journaling, writing, rest, and relaxation. My mind, heart, soul, and body are all in agreement. So I am listening.
I am taking the month of July to do just that. Letters from Trini will resume in August. I am trusting that the rest will bring clarity and fresh inspiration for how to fulfill my purpose with greater depth and impact.
While I am away I want to leave you with something to contemplate.
Take an inventory of your Cup Drainers and your Cup Fillers. Make a list of both. Consider how to limit the impact of the Drainers and commit to the Fillers. What would your life look like if the Fillers far outweighed the Drainers? What would be different?
If you find that you want support in refilling your cup, accept my invitation below for a consultation where will strategize together for the overflow.
See you soon!