DAY 35 - Life starts getting better when you stop pouring into cups that don't refill yours.

When you stop pouring into cups that don’t pour into yours, it’s like finally cutting the strings that have been pulling you in every direction but the one you want to go. We live in a world that praises the givers, the doers, the ones who are always there for everyone else. But who’s there for you? Who’s checking to see if you’re okay? Who’s making sure your cup isn’t running dry?

There’s this unspoken rule that says we should always be giving, always sacrificing for others, always putting our own needs last. And we follow it because we don’t want to be seen as selfish, unkind, or unloving. But here’s the thing: the people who benefit from this rule are often the ones who never had any intention of pouring back into you. They’ll take all you have to give, and when you’re empty, they’ll move on to the next person who hasn’t learned their worth yet.

Let’s get real—how many times have you found yourself exhausted, emotionally drained, and wondering why the people you’ve been so generous with aren’t there when you need them? How many times have you bent over backward to make sure someone else is okay, only to realize that they wouldn’t even cross the street to check on you? It’s a harsh reality, but one we need to face if we’re ever going to change the narrative.

The moment you stop pouring into those cups that don’t pour into yours, something incredible starts to happen. You begin to reclaim your power. You start to see that your worth isn’t tied to how much you give to others but to how much you honor and respect yourself. You begin to set boundaries, not because you’re cruel or uncaring, but because you’ve finally learned that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Boundaries are a form of self-care, and they’re essential if you want to live a life that’s fulfilling and balanced. They’re not walls meant to keep people out; they’re guidelines that help ensure you’re only giving your energy to those who value it. And yes, some people will be upset when you start saying no, when you stop being available 24/7, when you stop putting their needs above your own. But that’s okay. Because the people who truly care about you will understand and respect your need to take care of yourself.

When you stop pouring into those empty cups, you start to pour into the things that truly matter—your own growth, your own happiness, your own dreams. You begin to invest in yourself, in your well-being, in your future. And that’s when life begins to shift in ways you never imagined.

You start to attract people who are on the same wavelength as you, people who understand the importance of give and take, people who will be there for you just as much as you’re there for them. You’ll find yourself surrounded by a circle of support, love, and positivity. These are the people who will lift you up when you’re down, who will celebrate your successes, who will pour into your cup even when you don’t ask for it.

And it’s not just about people. It’s about the choices you make every day. When you stop pouring into those empty cups, you start to make decisions that align with your values, your goals, your vision for your life. You stop wasting time on things that don’t serve you and start focusing on what brings you joy, fulfillment, and peace.

Imagine how much more you could accomplish if you weren’t constantly drained by the needs and demands of others. Imagine how much happier you could be if you were surrounded by people who genuinely care about you, who pour into your life as much as you pour into theirs. Imagine living a life where you wake up each day feeling energized, loved, and appreciated, not because you’ve given everything away, but because you’ve finally learned to keep some of that energy for yourself.

This is what happens when you stop pouring into cups that don’t pour into yours. You start to prioritize yourself, not out of selfishness, but out of a deep understanding that you matter, too. Your needs, your happiness, your well-being—they’re just as important as anyone else’s. And when you start living from that place, everything changes.

You become more discerning about where you spend your time and energy. You become more intentional with your actions, more mindful of your relationships, more focused on your own growth. And in doing so, you create a life that’s not just about surviving, but thriving. You build a life that’s rich in love, joy, and fulfillment, a life where you’re no longer running on empty, but overflowing with abundance.

So, stop pouring into those empty cups. Stop giving away your power, your energy, your love to those who don’t appreciate it. Start pouring into yourself. Start pouring into the people and things that pour back into you. Because you deserve to live a life that’s not just good, but extraordinary. And it all starts with you.

Life starts getting better when you stop pouring into cups that don’t refill yours. Here’s how this change can make a difference:

1. Self-Care: You take better care of yourself by saving your energy for what truly matters.
2. Healthy Relationships: You focus on people who appreciate and support you, leading to more meaningful connections.
3. Personal Power: You regain control over where you spend your time and energy, boosting your confidence.
4. Clear Boundaries: You teach others how to respect your needs and set healthier limits.
5. Growth: You have more space for your own goals and passions, leading to personal development.
6. Fulfillment: You feel happier and more satisfied when surrounded by people who value you.

In short, by choosing where to invest your energy, you create a life that’s more balanced and fulfilling.

Life gets a whole lot better when you stop pouring into cups that don’t even have the decency to pour back into yours. Seriously, think about it—how many times have you found yourself empty, drained, and wondering why you’re always the one giving, giving, giving? You’re out here filling up everyone else’s cup, trying to make sure they’re okay, while yours is sitting there, bone dry, not a drop left for you. It’s like trying to water a desert with a single raindrop—futile and frustrating as hell.

You keep pouring out your energy, your love, your time, and what do you get in return? Crickets. Not even a trickle of what you deserve. It’s like you’re surrounded by people who are all too happy to take what you’re giving, but when it comes time to give back? Nah, they’re nowhere to be found. And the worst part? You keep doing it. Over and over again, hoping that maybe, just maybe, this time will be different. But it’s not.

So here’s the thing: it’s time to stop. Just stop. Stop pouring into cups that are basically bottomless pits, taking everything you’ve got and giving nothing in return. Stop trying to fill up everyone else when you’re running on empty. It’s not noble, it’s not selfless—it’s self-destructive.

You’ve got to start pouring into yourself. Yeah, I said it—yourself. Because when you stop wasting your energy on people and situations that don’t give a damn about you, you suddenly have all this extra energy to invest in yourself. And that’s when life really starts to shift. That’s when you start to feel alive again, like you’ve finally come up for air after being underwater for way too long.

And let me tell you, the moment you stop pouring into those empty cups, you’ll start to see who really has your back. The ones who’ve been taking and taking without giving a second thought? They’ll fall away. And good riddance. You don’t need that kind of energy in your life. You need people who will pour into you just as much as you pour into them. People who get that relationships—whether they’re friendships, family, or anything else—are a two-way street.

So stop with the martyr complex, thinking you’ve got to keep giving until there’s nothing left of you. You don’t. You deserve to be surrounded by people who uplift you, who refill your cup when it’s low, who appreciate what you bring to the table. And guess what? When you start pouring into yourself, those people will start showing up. You’ll attract the kind of energy that matches yours, that reciprocates, that values you for who you are.

Life gets better—so much better—when you stop wasting your time and energy on the wrong people and start focusing on the right ones, including yourself. Because here’s the messy truth: if you keep pouring into cups that don’t pour back, you’ll end up empty, bitter, and resentful. But if you pour into yourself first, you’ll find that you have so much more to give, and you’ll be giving from a place of fullness, not lack. And that, my friend, is where the magic happens.