How do you fill your Glass of Life?

How do you fill your glass of life, Christina Tangora Schlachter, PhDr
All Content under Copyright ©2010

Women’s lives are like a glass of water, often overrunning. We wear so many hats throughout their lives, many simultaneously: caregivers to elderly parents, partners and significant others, parents, and maybe even grandparents. We are workers, volunteers, managers, community activists, fundraisers, teachers, mentors, neighbors, and friends. It is no surprise that women feel they are pulled in so many directions, never able to give 100% to anything. And we are exhausted in the process. Our lives are similar to a glass of water - an empty glass serves little purpose; but an overflowing glass is impossible to maintain, let alone drink from. In life, if we do too little, we feel unsatisfied; if we push too hard in too many directions we are destined for disaster. In order to live a happy and fulfilling life, as free of regrets as possible, one must strive for maintaining a full glass. Nothing more, nothing less.

How full is your glass? Find 5 minutes (I know you can find it somewhere) and begin by writing down what your life was filled with in the past 24 hours. In the past 24 hours, how much time was devoted to your children? Your spouse? Your friends and extended family? Your work? Yourself?

Put that “glass” aside and start thinking about what you would fill your cup with if you had the perfect day. What would go in? What would stay out? How much is in your glass that makes you proud and passionate? What are you so excited about that the thought of it brings a smile to your face? How much goes into the glass of life that does not make you happy or successful?
What went into your last 24-hours?

Now is the time to fill a glass with positive energy and passion. Look back at your picture of the past 24 hours and cross out everything that you wish you could forget. Cross out anything that makes you mad, angry, or ashamed. Cross out anything you think was a complete waste of the precious 1440 minutes in your day! What is left? Would you spend more time on these activities? Did you workout for 15 minutes but wish you could have done 30? Did you play with your kids for 30 minutes after dinner but wish you could have played for an entire hour? Your full glass of life fills itself with the things you want to do – if you had your perfect day, what would it look like? Make pancakes for your children? Would you sleep more? Work at a job you loved? Make love to your partner? This is not a 5-minute exercise, but you can start today. Think about all the things that bring you pure joy. What makes your heart race with passion? Creating a life of purpose and passion takes time and effort, but I promise it will be worth the effort!

Your Glass of Life
All Content under Copyright 2010
Christina Tangora Schlachter, PhD, Ask Dr. Christina, Dr. Mommy ®