You’ve Got to Be Filled!

I feel like I’m constantly learning not only the importance, but the value of keeping my Love Tank filled.  It’s a continuous journey that I’m on, as I’m not always the best at doing this for myself.  I can often give and give until I crash and while that may sound admirable, the truth of the matter is, its not.

I’m almost daily asked relationship or dating questions, I’m in a position where my family really needs me and then there’s life.  Juggling it all at times can be a bit wild, but there’s always an indicator that notifies me, “It’s time to get filled!”  Meaning, my own love take is running on empty and if I don’t do something about it, I’ll crash and burn!

My indicator is my Attitude.  I’ve learned that when I’m on empty, I can become quite harsh and snappy.  Being a bit of the softy that I am, I hate when I get like this, because the last thing I want to do is hurt someone else’s feelings.  Why just the other weekend, I snapped at my mother on Mother’s Day regarding my crying niece.  Needless to say…I felt awful!!

Being the big girl that I am, I made sure to apologize to my mother the next day, but after I took some time to fill up the ole love tank for myself.  I was on “E” and so I took some alone time out for Arica.  The trick is to learn to stop and slow down, before I get to this stage.

Filling your Love Tank can look completely different as to what it looks like for me.  But to help you out, I’ll share what I do.  For me, its time with God, its listening to music, reading a good book, sipping on hot tea, doing my nails, gawking over fashion, writing, going to the ocean, working out, spending quality time with my friends.

Here’s the thing, while we all want meaningful relationships, or to do our best to be in the moment while in the midst of the dating world,..the bottom line is, You’ve Got to Be Filled!  Take time out for yourself.  Love on yourself.  Be good to yourself.

I can’t tell you how many times I talk to myself in the mirror and affirm myself.  When I’ve kicked butt with working out, I say “Damn, You Go Girl”.  If I look hot, I make sure to congratulate myself for putting forth the effort.  Or when I’ve taken the time to care for someone else, I remind myself “Wow, Arica you really know how to Love Well!”

So while there may be “180 Unread Messages” in my FB inbox, text messages that often go unanswered, or even phone calls that may never be returned..I have come to realize that if I’m not filled, then I have nothing to give.  With all that’s going on with my family due to my sister’s accident, I realize I can’t be there for everyone, so I daily make choices as to what I can and cannot do.

Make sure that You’re Filling You’re Love Tank and taking a break when you find yourself running on fumes!

(..and if you do have questions..Hey, that’s why there’s Coaching! So sign up for a session if you truly need my undivided attention!)