Running on Empty…
Throughout the past few weeks, I have run across some close friends who are emotionally…running on empty. I, and many of you, could definitely be included in those ranks at some point in our life. How do you know? Maybe…
- You’ve found yourself less willing to be around people – even shutting them out.
- You’ve been much quicker to insult someone, or give up on a project (or relationship)
- Your closest relationships have suffered as a result of being so “busy”. Filling your schedule with “things”…
Our emotional tanks are important because when they are full, we are at our best. We are optimistic, caring, willing to hurdle any and all obstacles around. But, much like a car, when they are empty…it’s extremely hard to get moving and make any real progress.
On my way into the office today, this topic was on my mind and I began to think of solutions (I’m a fixer). How can people practically fill their emotional tank? Hope this helps:
- Solitude: You MUST retreat to a place and create solitude in your life. Even if for only 20 minutes, spend that time reflecting on all of the good that is
currently happening in your life. Spend time imagining what your life will be like when your tank is “full”. Remembering how easy life was to concur when all of your relationships are in line. Spending quite time everyday in not a luxury. Plan it, as it is a necessity.
“The apostles then rendezvoused with Jesus and reported on all that they had done and taught. Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.” Mark 6:30-31
Even the Bible mentions, as described above, how important it is for us to retreat. Sounds eerily familiar… “for there was a constant coming and going. They didn’t even have time to eat.” A lot like many of us right now. Retreat. Find a place…and go there daily.
- Recreation: Bottom line…find a way to inject FUN back in your life. Maybe it’s playing a board game with your kids, going running, bowling with friends, taking a new cooking class @ the community college. Whatever it may be for you…HAVE FUN AGAIN, and fast!
“”How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, ‘We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.’ John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don’t count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating.” Mathew 11:16
Jesus was no stranger to fun. Parties, weddings, fellowship – he was there. And the vision I have is not of a Jesus standing in the corner observing, sipping water…it’s of a Jesus in the middle of the dance floor living it up. Intense fellowship, truly finding those friends who know you and simply having fun again. Do it, and your tank will begin to fill…the sunset will become that much more beautiful.
- Laughter: Laughter exercises the diaphragm and the cardiovascular system, improving breathing and oxygen flow – as well
as creating the same levels of endorphins (natural mood-elevating and pain-killing chemicals) as exercise. Laughter releases our natural cure for depression. Finding a way to laugh daily will release those endorphins and begin to fill your emotional tank quickly. Need help jump starting this area? Just head to YouTube for a while… 
Why bother with any of the above? Because your life depends on it. No, you may not die directly as a result of being emotionally drained…but your relationships surely will.
You deserve better for yourself. Think of those around you… Start viewing everyone through the eyes of a gas station attendant. What can you do right now – not tomorrow – to emotionally fill someone’s tank… Their life may depend on it. Their life may depend on you.
3 Responses to “Running on Empty…”
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This article made my day
So true
I was given your business card by my limo driver last night. Would you be interested in meeting over coffee sometime?
This is perfectly stated and presented in perfect timing, although I do my best to exercise this, it is easy for me as the solitary searcher I am. I long for the whole of existence to be less overwhelmed…for sure!!