Consider yourself a pitcher full of water.
Each day you pour out a little here, a little there.
You pour out into the people and things that need you… your spouse, your children, your job, your church, your parents, your siblings, your studies, etc. You give of yourself, and give and give… which is a wonderful thing.
But sharing from experience, if you don’t refill your pitcher, guess what happens? You become empty. You run dry. And have nothing left to pour out. Nothing.
Once it’s dry, how do you fill it back up?
In order to keep giving, you must take time to fill yourself back up. To fill your pitcher back to full.
Take time out for you, and fill your pitcher, so you can be more effective to the people and things that need you.
I’ve learned over time to let go of some of the guilt of taking time just for me. I learned it became necessary to take “a time out” for awhile. I began to do things to pamper myself, to refresh my spirit, and rejuvenate my soul.
What fills me back up may be entirely different than what works for you.
I like treating myself to a massage, or a pedicure or manicure. When money is tight, I do an at-home version of those. I enjoy taking a long walk outdoors. Sitting on our deck, breathing in the fresh air. I even enjoy taking a 20-minute nap to refresh me on the days I’m home.
If you’re not in the habit of taking time out for you, just start with something. Find a couple things that really perk you up, then get in the habit of doing something every week. You will feel like a new person, and the people in your life with think so too!
Other ideas:
- Take a walk in the country and soak up the fresh air and the outdoors.
- Take an extended bubble bath.
- Curl up with a good book.
- Give yourself a new look…a new hairstyle, new makeup colors or give yourself a facial.
- Get a manicure or a pedicure, or give yourself one at home.
- Go for a relaxing bike ride.
- Go to a park, take a picnic lunch and enjoy the outdoors.
- Have coffee or lunch with a friend.
- Spend a night or two alone in your favorite hotel. Take things with you that you enjoy. (This is one of my ALL-TIME favorite things to do! I take my Bible, my favorite snacks, and do my nails. This is a total getaway for me!)
- Wear a special outfit.
- Cook your favorite meal (if you enjoy cooking).
- Exercise (if you enjoy exercising).
- Go to a special coffee house and enjoy the atmosphere (if you like coffee).
If you have a favorite thing you do, please share it below. It might just give someone else an idea!
It really doesn’t matter what you do to “fill your pitcher,” just make sure you do something!
What can you do for yourself today?
Julie
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Love this reminder! Thank you! My favorite “me time” thing is checking out consignment shops without the family 🙂 I like knowing no one is waiting for me to finish up.
Thank you for sharing what you do, Jess! Great idea. I love not being rushed too. Such precious “me” time. Good for you for finding what fills you back up!
I so need these times to be refilled. For me it’s taking a walk or going for a bike ride. Which makes winter’s a bit harder for me. Getting my mani/pedi works too! And time in His Word is always a must. Great reminder for us all.
It sounds like you and I have a lot in common, Beth! I agree with it being harder in the winter months. And yes, time in God’s Word is a must! Thank you for sharing what you do to fill your pitcher back up!
One of my favorite things to help me refill is a a “treasure hunt” at my local thrift store. So much fun to see what I can find to reuse and fix up for my home. I found an old desk last week and have turned it into a beautiful sewing/craft table!
What a great idea, Amy! I love this! I’d love to see your new sewing/craft table. Thank you for sharing!
My husband and I are actually taking some time off as pastors this month to refill! Though we were concerned about how a few weeks away might affect things, we realized the benefits far outweighed any concerns we had. And let me tell ya, it’s just what the doctor ordered!!
Oh, Kristine, I love to hear this! I’m so happy you and your husband are taking some time to refresh yourselves. I imagine you are drawing near to the Lord as well. I’ll be lifting you in prayer during your time off. My family is withdrawing away this week as well. Enjoy your time!