On the days when you have nothing to give...

Some days, we have nothing to give. That's simply the way it is. Some days, our personal resources are limited, and anything anyone else asks for has to be piled on top of a big empty hole - the hole inside of us.

On the days when you have nothing to give, be gentle with yourself. Be willing to forgive yourself easily. Say "I'm sorry," to yourself when you are too snappy with co-workers (dont' forget to say "I'm sorry," to them, too... maybe tomorrow, though!).
Say "I'm sorry" to yourself when you're too busy to be patient with your children (don't forget to say "I'm sorry," to them, too).
Say "I'm sorry" to yourself if you simply can't get to everything you want to do, on the days when you have nothing to give.

We are each entitled to days when we have nothing to give. We are merely human beings, after all - although sometimes it seems that the mountain of work before us wants us to be gods! And we are each entitled to be kind to ourselves, first of all, on those days.

Learning to be gentle and kind with oneself is a way to learn to be gentle and kind with others. Start with yourself. Being gentle and kind with yourself is probably the hardest lesson you'll ever learn. Notice that there are some times when you're just not your usual self. On those days, make sure you don't blame others. Breathe. Breathe again. Maybe some of the important things you need to do today will be better done tomorrow.

Accept your limitations. The world will be better for it!
Warmly,
meb