Surviving the December Dash: Curator’s Practical Guide to Filling Your Cup

by Jessica Christopher and Elsa Fletcher

As the calendar pages turn toward the close of another year, the balance of our professional deadlines and personal obligations can feel all-consuming. Let’s face it – the holidays can be hectic…just, hectic disguised in twinkle lights, jolly music, and dustings of snow. Everywhere we look the air is thick with the frenetic energy of year end deadlines, the buzz of holiday preparations, and the clamor of social events! It’s exhilarating. It's exhausting. It’s fair to give space to both feelings.

As we rapidly approach the final weeks of 2023, it’s important to remember it’s not just a season of chaos and festivities, it’s also an opportune time for self-reflection, renewal, and the cultivation of personal and professional well-being. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to become caught up in the demands of the moment, often neglecting the important task of tending to our own cups – the reservoirs of our mental, emotional, and physical well-being.

The concept of "filling your cup" extends beyond mere self-care; it's about replenishing, rejuvenating, and fortifying ourselves on a holistic level. It's a conscious effort to ensure that, as we navigate the challenges and triumphs of life – both professionally and personally – we do so with a sense of fulfillment and vitality.?

As we approach the season of reflection and resolutions,?join our team at Curator as we explore practical strategies for self-nurturing and professional fulfillment. Whether you're seeking to establish healthier personal routines, reignite your passion, or simply infuse a sense of joy into your daily existence, these tips are crafted to help you not only end the year on a positive note but also set the stage for a fulfilling and energized start to the upcoming one.?

So, let's delve into a few practices that can truly make a difference in filling your cup by the end of the year and beyond.

Take a gratitude mental stock

Gratitude is a term preached regularly in our daily conversations. I’m sure we can all recall someone in our life reminding us to be grateful for this or that - so why is it so hard to remember to do that in tumultuous times? Often, it is because we tell ourselves we don’t have the mental energy, tools, or time to focus on what we’re grateful for. It becomes another task on our growing to-do list. However, as we approach year end, we are strongly encouraging you to move “take a gratitude mental stock” to the top of that to-do list. It’s a simple, yet powerful strategy that has physical and mental benefits such as promoting inner peace, strengthening social connections, improving mood, and even encouraging better physical health.?

A gratitude mental stock involves taking a deliberate pause to reflect on the positive aspects of your life, both personally and professionally. Picture it as a work portfolio, but instead of tracking work success, you are tracking moments of gratitude. Start small – think of the small joys, the small triumphs, and positive experiences throughout your day. Did you get a response on a hard pitch? Did you score a new client? Did you meet a kind stranger on the street or perhaps see that your favorite movie was added to Netflix? Are you able to see your loved ones this holiday season??

Acknowledging and appreciating these things - big and small - contributes to a mental bank of gratitude, fostering a positive mindset and acting as a buffer against the stressors of the season. Gratitude mental stock is not about grand gestures but the cumulative effect of recognizing the richness in your life!

Nurture Important Relationships

Novelist Chuck Palahnuik once wrote, “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known.” In other words, who we fundamentally are often revolves around the relationships we hold. In both personal and professional spheres, a key to filling your cup lies in nurturing important relationships - whether it’s a romantic partner,?family member,?friend, colleague, client, or?boss. There are great benefits in making your important relationships a priority every single day - they cultivate connection, trust, care, and even productivity!?

Personally, make an effort to connect with loved ones—share stories, spend quality time, and reinforce the bonds that matter most. If you’re too busy to spend quality time, send a simple text or check-in. Take a moment from your day to show the ones you love most that you are thinking of them.?

Professionally, recognize the importance of collaboration and camaraderie. Engage with colleagues, attend networking events, and express gratitude for the collective efforts that make your work meaningful.

Taking the time to foster meaningful connections enriches your experiences and contributes to a sense of fulfillment. Whether it's strengthening ties with family and friends or building a supportive professional network, nurturing relationships is the surefire way to ensure your cup is well on its way to overflowing!?

Switch Up Your Routine

Routine can be a comforting ally, but occasionally embracing change brings a breath of fresh air to your daily life. Whether it's trying a new morning ritual, incorporating a different exercise routine, or altering your work schedule, these small adjustments can inject vitality and excitement to your day.?

This can be as? simple as adding a splash of cream to your morning coffee or going all out by drizzling caramel on top for an extra kick. Or maybe, If you find yourself needing a mental reset and a touch of something extra, take the time to reorganize your living space, transforming it into your ideal Feng Shui haven. Small changes can add big excitement into your day.?

By breaking away from the monotony, you open doors to new perspectives, fostering creativity, and ultimately contributing to a fuller, more satisfying cup.?

Listen to Your Body - Movement is Key

Maintaining a work-life balance can become challenging and even overwhelming, especially before the New Year. During this time, it's important to listen to your body and prioritize mental breaks. We’ve all been in situations where we feel the need to be glued to our work computers, but it's perfectly okay to carve out a few minutes for self-care. If the sun is shining, go take a stroll around the block to clear your mind or sign up for that hot yoga class you’ve been contemplating.?

Incorporating regular physical activity - a brisk walk, a quick workout, or stretching exercises can be a game-changer. Movement not only boosts your energy levels but also releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that combat stress. As you navigate deadlines and festive demands, remember that a simple commitment to movement can be the key to maintaining balance, reducing stress, and ensuring your cup is filled with energy and well-being.

Pursue your Passion?

Think about what brings you joy in life. Is it reading your favorite book or painting? Is it taking your dogs to the dog park? Is it skiing? Do you yearn to break into a new industry? This year end, make a commitment to rediscover or deepen your connection with your personal and professional passions.?This time can help bring balance to your everyday life.?

The simple act of indulging in what makes your heart sing can be the catalyst for a more satisfying and rejuvenated cup as you approach the busy holiday season and year end.

Fill up Someone Else's Cup

There is a common sentiment that you can’t fill someone else’s cup until you fill yours. That is why we put this tip last - because this article is all about self-care! However, it must be said, there is a profound impact in helping fill up someone else’s cup. This simple act creates an act of togetherness, connection and even belonging.?

Whether it’s through acts of kindness, adopting a “pay it forward” mentality, a thoughtful gesture, or simply offering a helping hand, the joy derived from helping or making a positive impact on others can be immeasurable. By bringing light to someone else's day, you not only spread positivity but also find a unique source of fulfillment for your own cup. There is a distinct ripple effect that extends to nourishing your own sense of joy and well being.

After all… Tis’ the season for giving. Or maybe it’s “Tis the season… to shower all your friends and family in love and care.”? Either one sounds great to us!?