Drink Before You Are Thirsty

Oh how many times I have let the business of life make me forget to drink water.  I have found myself at work, driving, running or even in kung fu classes where I feel this immense thirst come upon me suddenly and upon thinking about it (if I’m coherent enough to think), realize that I have not been drinking enough water throughout my day or activity.  Now I know the importance of water for my mind and body and I also realize that if I wait till I’m thirsty, I am probably too late and already dehydrated.  The lesson is simple, don’t wait until you are parched and dehydrated to drink!

As with water for the body, so is rest and filling for the spirit. One of my readings this week spoke of the importance of filling your spirit long before you grow emotionally, spiritually or relationally dehydrated.  Here are the points made:

1.       Time away – Rather than waiting for burnout plan a vacation or simple time away.  This doesn’t have to be complicated, expensive or even far away.

2.      Daily retreats – Nourish yourself daily.  Seek quiet moments to reflect and express gratitude.  I like this one and find my walks and runs to be an awesome time for refill.

3.       Life-giving Friendships – “Life can be lonely, but we make it lonelier than it needs to be by expending our life energy among a hundred shallow acquaintances while neglecting to connect deeply with any one individual.”  Invest the most in the relationships that are important.

4.      Healthy Family – “All you have to do for family relationships to erode is nothing.”  Give your family the time they deserve, invest in each other early and continually.

5.      Energizing Activities – This can be anything that recharges your batteries, the sky is the limit!  Running, painting, reading, fishing… 

As we all walk away from the banquet inspired and energized for this New Year, it may be hard to see that the high will end.  At this point the push ups, sit ups and form reps seem a lot easier than they may be in the days to come when our weapons lose their shininess and we don’t feel so on fire. With all life throws at us and in our pursuit of mastery we will all have moments of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated, so for this reason remember to ‘hydrate’ yourself daily. Make a point of including the things that refill you in your daily life, make them realistic, sustainable and thoughtful with a purpose. Take care of all parts of you so you can accomplish the goals you have set for yourself for this upcoming year. Drink before you are thirsty!

Alana Regier

 

http://alanaregier.blogspot.ca