Filling your cup during a drought!!

I am a morning person, and I always have been. I have been home for almost a week, and I still wake up at 5:30 AM, ready to start my day. Each day, I begin with a simple 15-30 mins with myself and God. I sit outside, with my cup of coffee (an essential or I cannot function) and write. I write down my prayers, manifestations, goals, and anything I want to talk to Jesus about. I then write a scene— usually about the morning birds chirping, or a dream I had the night before (my fiction writing never escapes me hahah), and by the end my cup is quite literally overflowing *my happy, sappy, joy cup*. I feel fulfilled. Even though I drank all my coffee, and the dry heat of Arizona in the summer soaked up any remaining drip of water, my cup is full.

I wanted to give some tips that help fill my cup when I am not mentally, physically, or emotionally at a good season in life— or even just having a bad day. Simple ways to change your perspective, shift your attitude, and find the good in the unlucky, unfortunate, and unforgiving ways of the world.

1. Get up early. I know most people do not like to hear this, and I understand, but I promise when you get up and get things done (or even just spend time with yourself or loved ones) it feels GOOD. Starting off your day right can be one of the most promising ways to a happy, fulfilled, overflowing cup.

2. Make a gratitude list. I know not all of you are fanatic readers and writers like myself, so I am not going to recommend doing either for hours. BUT taking a couple minutes to just write down things you are thankful helps shift your perspective. It allows you to see all that is already there, things you have wished for that have been granted. These are automatic mood lifters as you can see how life subtly has changed your tide, and you maybe have not even noticed that what you once wanted so badly was now gracefully placed in your hands.

3. Music. I am one of those crazy girls that loves to listen to her sad playlists even when she is happy as can be. I know, it’s scary. But I really think that music can help one feel heard, seen, and felt— and it can change the tide of your emotions if you put the right emphasis on it. For me, when I am feeling down, I need to be validated almost, because I feel as if I am being dramatic, ungrateful. And well, sometimes I am. But other times, I need to understand that my emotions are not always controlled by unchaining elements in my life, and it is okay to feel these things even though I am BEYOND blessed. I have an education, family, financial stability, but I still have emotions. Both of these things can be true, and yet very separate. So, I put on a few sad songs, let myself feel my emotions. Then, I stop. I process what is in my control and what is not, and I move on. Put on your happiest, feel good playlist. Get in your car or go on a walk and JAM OUT. It feels so damn good.

** Funny story time— before I was super close to Nya (my best friend from home) we knew of each other but weren’t super close. I was jamming out in my car, really feeling each emotion and lyric LOL and Nya’s mom saw me as we were both at a red light, side by side. She had no idea who I was, but thought it was funny and reminded her of how Nya was going to be when she could drive… so she took a video and sent it to Nya. I just took this as a true sign that we were meant to be best friends, but it also just is really funny and sorta embarrassing HA.

4. Talking to a friend. Sometimes, in the midst of your struggle, you need to be alone to feel and process your emotions. But after that phase passes, talk to someone about how you are doing. Bottling up things never end well, and usually create more hurt and destruction. However, talking to a friend, family member, or therapist can really help you, not only get through that hard time, but learn and flourish from it. It allows for you to see from “above the trees” as Taylor put it (only swifties will understand that, sorry) and gain a new perspective on a situation that can feel heavy, but is simple if broken down.

5. Lastly, I want to touch on a more specific ‘passion’ of mine, that can look a little different for everyone. Basically, just do what you are passionate about with such heart and joy. For me, that can be a few different things (film pictures, writing songs, tennis, etc), but when I am not feeling great — baking and dancing in the kitchen is my top choice. I usually decide to make some sort of bread (I loveeee cardamom buns, my fav thing ever) and put on my romance playlist. Slow dancing in the kitchen by myself while making something I know I am going to love feels a lot like home to me, and I definitely recommend it. However, just doing something that makes you feel GOOD can be enough for you to realize right now is the only moment you will ever really need. Solitude can make the best company.

Love y’all! Go fill your cups <3

Deep love,

Nina Lee

(picture found on Pinterest)