Nothing is harder than trying to go forward in life with cheer and optimism when you’ve run out of energy and drive. I used to think that a positive attitude and a giving heart was enough to keep you going until I overextended myself.

Women are usually nurturers who give other people their time, resources, a listening ear–whatever seems to be the need at the moment. When you give everything you’ve got and some of what you don’t even have to give, you too may find yourself all run out. Empty. Nothing left. Nada. Not a smile. Not a hope. Not a nothin’!

What can you do when you get to this point? I suggest getting some R and R. Refill yourself by taking the following action steps:

1)Release it all. Take a ‘Me’ break.

2)Replenish your soul. Feed your spirit. Find some quiet time.

3)Reflect. Realize that there is nothing worth pushing yourself to the brink.

4)Rest. Whatever is pressing, think about how it would get done if you were not here to do it!

5)Remember, you are not a machine. Really.

Running on empty happens to the best of us occasionally. Sometimes a reminder is all we need to start refilling our empty urns.

Gloria Thomas Anderson, MSW

Columnist of: Inspiring Insights For Your Soul and Spirit!

www.hearttones.com

2006 Heart Tones