“You can’t drink from the cup while you’re filling it up.” – Laura Hajek
Since our childhood, we are taught to help others. We are shown examples of people that devoted their entire lives to helping others.
Don’t get me wrong, helping others is a noble act that we should all carry out and nothing can bring you joy like helping others.
However, sometimes we end up in certain situations in which helping ourselves becomes important. And for those moments, we must fill our cups, and here’s everything you should know about self-love.
Meaning: Filling your cup means to invest in maintaining & caring about your mental, emotional, and physical energy.
Why is it important to fill your own cup first?
Here’s what you need to know about it:
A Little Different
For people that always put others first or go out of their way to help others, it can seem a little different.
Some individuals are born with greater philanthropic properties than others. However, this does not mean that you should always help others.
Certain individuals actively seek others that are willing to help for their personal gain.
But understanding that you are not the only one that can help others is important to not fall victim to this.
Learn to Say No
While saying no to others can seem negative, it is for your own good.
Now I do not mean that you should never help others; however, if you are feeling exhausted, it is okay to say no.
This does not make you less ethical, because you are caring for yourself.
Moreover, saying no when you don’t feel like doing something allows others to understand and respect your boundaries, filling your cup quicker.
Taking Things Slow
One of the most important things to understand about self-love is that you cannot rush it.
Unlike other tasks in our lives that are better if done quickly, learning to love yourself takes time. Some people even spend numerous years just to fully love themselves.
Just like how you would take things slow in a new relationship because you care for the other person, do the same for yourself.
Therefore, take things slow and begin to appreciate your likes and dislikes. Because understanding yourself not only fills your cup but inspires others to do the same.
Self Care
This means you need to start caring for yourself not only on a physical level but on a mental level as well.
Start with exercising, drinking enough water, and proper nutrition.
As for mental wellness, take a day off for yourself if you feel overwhelmed at work or even take a vacation if you must.
Because you are more important than any job.
Explore Yourself
Filling your cup also means figuring out what drives you, like hobbies and your passion.
Exploring yourself is the quintessential aspect of loving yourself. Learn new hobbies or invest in skills that propel you towards your dreams.
Additionally, spending time with your loved ones and simply asking them what they like about you is a part of the exploration.
Honor Yourself
When it comes to self-love, most people think of simply doing whatever you like and avoiding what you don’t like.
That is only partly true because in the end, you have dreams that you wish to achieve and those require tough decisions and doing things you don’t like.
This is where the part of honoring yourself comes in. You must understand that your aim is bigger than slight inconveniences.
So, honor your goal and act towards it with love.
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