It's not "how full is your glass?" but rather, "Is there a pitcher nearby?"

Shawn Achor, an author and speaker focusing on Positive Psychology, did a Supersoul Sunday talk with Oprah in late 2017 and he said something that stopped me in my tracks.  “I don’t care if your glass is half empty or half full.  The real question is, is there a pitcher nearby?”  🤯

And I LOVE this.  The typical question “is your glass half empty or half full” can be so leading.  Of course you want and are supposed to say that your glass is half full but honestly some days, my glass only has a few drops of water in it.  

And the truth is, that’s okay.  It’s okay to have an off day or an off couple of days, to have a day where your patience is short and you're just waiting for the kids to go to bed so you can have some time to yourself.  We all have those days.  

The key is to know there’s a pitcher of water nearby where you can fill your glass.  

How everyone gets their glasses full is going to look very different.  There are many things that fill my cup but the things I need most, and that are the quickest to receive are: exercise, quiet time, inspiration from books or podcasts, and time to connect with friends.  If I can fit one or more of those elements into my day, I am full and will happily pour some of my water into other people’s glasses.  If I ignore my needs, my glass slowly empties.

Life happens.  Massive projects are due.  Kids get sick.  Your partner has to travel.  Your schedule shifts unexpectedly.  Sometimes you have to take on a bigger load than usual.  But if you can incorporate the activities for yourself to ensure you keep your pitcher full and glass filling, you are setting yourself, and those around you, up for success.