Once again I’ve been called out by my wife for not taking the time to do what I need. Call them ‘cups’ or ‘buckets’, they’re our vessels for filling up with hobbies, self-care, and things that make us contented.

The saying “You can’t pour from an empty cup” reminds us that we’re of no use to the people around us when we neglect ourselves. And I have been doing that recently.

It’s a slippery slope from skipping a lunchtime walk or forgetting to eat all the way down to not wanting to get out of bed, or as I was doing – going to bed at 8pm because I just couldn’t be bothered to be awake.

Everyone is different and the things that fill your bucket could be anything from quality time with someone, having time alone, or having enough time to spend on your hobby.

For me, my bucket-fillers are:

• Being outside
• Running or going for walks
• Quality time with my wife and daughter
• Being healthy

For one reason or another. Scratch that. For one excuse or another, like having work to do, just having to check in on Slack at 9pm just in case someone messaged me (they never do, but what if they did?!), or it being a bit cold outside, I’ve been neglecting myself. Again.

The solution? Well I suppose I have to make myself go for a run.

Nope. That’s not good enough. Come on, James!

The solution IS:

• Run outside for 30 mins – 1hr, 3x per week
• Spend quality family time every evening
• Track my calories and once I hit my daily limit, I stop.

Now the only thing is making myself get up and do it. Any advice?

Printable Self-Care Weekly Planner