Imagine filling a jug of water. The jug is filled to the top and you expect it to be there when you’re ready to use it. You put it down, move onto your next task and now it’s time to use the water. You expect to find a full jug, you look at your jug, and notice that most of the water is gone.

So, you refill it back up to the top, finish up a few more tasks until

you’re ready to use the water…and notice that most of the water is gone again. You refill it a third time and the same thing happens over and over and over again.

In frustration, you find a different way to keep filling your jug. Maybe you keep it under a steady flow of water, you use it as quickly as you can or find some other way to solve the problem.  Discouraged, you come to realize that this strategy is ineffective and exhausting.

In a flash of awareness it dawns on you that you’ve been trying to find a solution to the wrong challenge. The real challenge was that in your attempt to keep the water full, and getting the result you wanted, you didn’t make sure your jug was strong and stable. You were trying to fill a  “leaky jug,” cracked and worn from years of use and lack of repair. You realize that continuing to fill the jug…without fixing the jug itself, will never give you the result you really want. You’ve been treating the symptom (losing the water) without treating the cause (fixing the jug).

How does this relate to you? So many of us live this way. With too many tasks, responsibilities, pressure, obligations, commitments and more, we create an enormous amount of stress for ourselves. Over time, this chronic, unmanaged stress leads to symptoms, illnesses, conditions and eventually disease. We’re exhausted, spent, depleted and over time often become discouraged, frustrated, overweight, overwhelmed, unfit, unfulfilled and unhappy.

We may get through our day using caffeine or sugar to wake us up. We use food, TV, alcohol, smoking, drugs or reckless behavior to distract us. We don’t feel vibrant, energetic and alive and it impacts our relationships, our self-esteem, our confidence and our lifestyles. We realize how these choices are impacting us personally and professionally…and we don’t know where to begin to start looking, feeling and living better again.

Where do you start? The first step is understanding that it’s not your fault. You’ve been frantically trying to keep up with the demands of your busy life. In keeping up with those demands, you did all you were able to do to keep going, without assessing what this was doing to your health, your weight, your energy, your lifestyle and your level of joy. So, take a deep breath and realize that it’s time for some compassion and self care.  It’s the same kind of kindness you probably give everyone else that will slowly start to repair your “jug.”

Next, identify where is your “jug” leaking? Take a look at the different areas of your life. What are you eating, how are you moving, what thoughts are you thinking, who are you spending your time with, what are you doing to show yourself some kindness and much needed self care?

These are just a few ideas to address and then…just begin. Begin with one simple step to repair your “jug.” Can you take a few minutes to preplan some healthier eating? Can you drink more clean water, take a walk, get more sleep or reconnect with those you love?  Can you read an inspiring book, wear clothes that make you feel better, meditate, journal or laugh more? Can you listen to your favorite music, learn to say no to more commitments, start a hobby you’ve always been interested in, take on a challenge or plan a quick getaway?

It starts with a plan and before long; you’ll realize that now you’re becoming healthier, happier, more fit, energized and whole. You’re treating the cause vs. the symptoms and the result is a strong, solid, capable, more vibrant and amazing…you. Now you’re not just surviving, but thriving because of the time, effort and attention finally spent in the right place.

So, where will you begin? How will you repair your “jug?” I'd love to know, comment and share!