I read a post on Facebook a while ago that asked the question “what do you do to fill your bucket?“. I had never heard this expression before and it got me thinking….what do I do to fill my bucket?
When I was sick all the time and even now when the dreaded food chemical intolerances or allergies strike, I do feel like my bucket has been depleted. I don’t wake up brimming with energy, I struggle to do the most basic tasks and I feel flat and drained, unmotivated and often sad.
So to combat these responses, I guess I had to create a number of strategies to fill that depleted bucket. Here are a few I reach for when the need is there….
1. Wake up each morning and go through your gratitude list
Sometimes it is hard to see the sun through the clouds, but by collating a list in your head, you may just find a few rays of sunshine burst through that heavy cloud coverage.
2. Research
Oddly enough, this is my go to place. I spent about 80% of my waking hours researching anything I could find to figure out what was wrong with me when I was ill for those 10 or so years. Apart from the internet diagnosing me with every disease under the sun, there was something therapeutic and empowering in searching for my own “cure”. These days, it helps to look for alternative answers, because the “sickness” is not fully under control and it helps to know that I am still striving towards sensational 
3. Alcohol….No I am not talking about getting shit faced!
I am talking about having a refreshing Gin & Tonic on a beautiful summers day. I am talking about a beautiful red wine on a cold winters night. I am talking about something comforting and warming to the soul.
4. Indulge in luxury
Your luxury may be different to mine. It could be a relaxing bath, eating out, doing the 5 Star ‘thang’ or floating around in a pool. Whatever floats your boat, schedule it, do it, allow yourself.
5. Cut yourself some slack
Personally, I have discovered that my worst days are Mondays. It makes sense that over the weekend when you are out in the world with your allergens, or eating someone else’s food that the highest risk will be at that time. To combat this, I schedule very little on a Monday…that way if I do the bare minimum I hopefully will not hit myself across the face very often (this can be very painful if you are experiencing major sinus ‘aching face’ or a migraine, so it is to be avoided at all costs )
Other basic bucket fillers include taking time to stop. Remind yourself of the good and don’t dwell on the bad. Do something “naughty” and pat yourself on the back for it!
What do you do to fill your bucket?
Till next time….
Becc
Love a bit of luxury, Becc, but I should remember more to just sit out in the garden with a cup of tea. That fills my bucket, any peace and quiet really.
Was lovely to meet you at DPCon.
@Seana_Smith A little time to yourself to be present can do wonders.
It was fabulous to meet you too!
This certainly made me stop and think as I am guilty at the thought of even topping up my own bucket! But a bubble bath at the end of every day certainly realigns my spirit so I’ll assume that is my go to thing
@DonnaWebeck Not a bad way to end a day….not a bad way at all
Let’s see – writing, reading, sharing quality time with hubster eg just a cup of tea on our patio or a weekend away with just us, taking a nap!
@RedlandCityGirl Oh yes, quality time is a must. This is something that has slipped down the list of late and I am not the better for it. Back on the agenda now….thank you for the reminder
Hello lovely lady, Sounds like the silly season treated you well. Great post. I am trying to fill my bucket with more exercise, so I don’t kick the bucket anytime soon ; ) Have a great weekend x
Great post
I guess when i need to fill my bucket I read, listen to motivational cds, self affirmation cds, and I exercise. Number 5 is something I have been getting better at
@Gerald Smith I used to be hugely into self help books and motivational stuff. I’ve let it slip and I think it is showing….
There’s nothing like a nap, a nice cup of coffee and a lovely baked good to fill my bucket. Great expression!
@velveteenroc Sounds lovely!
#5 is definitely one I know I need to get better at! I’ve recently started making a daily gratitude list. At first it felt strange to be thankful for seemingly silly things, but the more I find things to be thankful for, the better I fill. I also like to job, so that also helps me fill like I’m attempting to keep my fitness bucket full.
@JeriWB Yes, it is such a simple concept (the gratitude list) but very powerful. I’m falling down on the fitness side of things, must start to put it higher up my list I think
To “fill my bucket” I make time for exercise each day. I also make sure to have delicious and healthy foods in my house so I can reach for something that satisfy’s me but doesn’t make me feel guilty. The other thing I absolutely must fill my bucket up with is talking with my family. I call my mom, dad, sister and grandmother at least once a week. And of course, time out with my girlfriends for some drinks
@ShapeDaily That is my biggest downfall Kelly – exercise. I have every intention to do it, but there is always something that takes precedence. Priorities are so upside down, but it happens over and over again.
Love this! It seems that so many of us are too busy to cut ourselves some slack, but I do tend to find myself lounging around with my kiddies at home on a Saturday morning, even if I do feel a bit guilty about it. My family and I just love to go out for dinner.. it doesn’t even matter if its a cheap brunch at the diner.. THAT is our special treat.
@MichelleGoddard We also love to go out for dinner, lunch or whatever! I also ensure that the weekends are allocated designated family time. We spend the time with each other, enjoying each other and not getting caught up with work etc.
Your Monday idea is great. Good tips. I will keep those in mind
@Craftyandbeast Monday seems to be the winner here. It would seem there are a lot of people needing to cut themselves some slack and do a little less on a down day
Great post. I could do with incorporating one or two of these into my life for sure
@ginodb I’d like to hear how you go Gino!
I never heard this saying before. I like to spend some time with friends, go out for dinner to fill my bucket. I also like to knit. It allows me to relax and think.
@RitaAzar Going out for Dinner or Lunch is a favourite…unfortunately, it doesn’t always work no matter how much I try not to eat anything wrong. Oh, well, have to keep trying!!!
Hope you enjoyed Australia day Becc and haven’t been affected by all the rain over the last couple of days. Like all your tips especially cut yourself some slack as it can do wonders.
@SusanOakes Cutting yourself some slack is a lot harder than it sounds, but I try
My daughter learned about the bucket filler and bucket dipper concept at pre-school. I adore it. I also love your suggestions, and need to make sure I do more of them
Emily @ Have a laugh on me
@emtoxward I is good to be reminded isn’t it
I had never heard this saying either, but I like it.
Not really sure what I do to actively fill my bucket. I think when I do something I haven’t planned for, it helps. Usually I micromange every minute of the day, so something unexpected really recharges me
@EssentiallyJess Oh, I love spur of the moment things….unless it really stuff up my routine which can send me into a bit of a spin.
Becc – Nice post! I can honestly say that taking a step back and evaluating what is going on helps me fill my bucket. I only allow my bucket to be half full, cause I am always yearning for more!
Thank you for sharing!
@Mark Brody We have something in coming Mark, there is always more
I love your list of bucket fillers – especially the keeping monday light!! Daily alone time fills my bucket, reading, listening to music (i am such a giant introvert!)
@Deb home life simplified I read a lot of blogs, but haven’t read an entire book in such a long time. I do miss them
When I was in culinary school I was surrounded by kids many quite a bit younger than me at the time (I was in my mid 30s). Of course at their age the way to unwind was easily a night spent binging. This is a standard thing for many in the restaurant industry. One of the chef instructors was a hard core vegan. He chose that lifestyle because of the affect the restaurant lifestyle had on his body. With age comes wisdom or is it through pain we learn to treat ourselves better?
@JonJefferson Being Australian in general usually means that is a standard thing too
I guess I am lucky in one way, I don’t think I could go vegan, I really need my meat. I struggle with energy levels as it is without draining my supply of iron….
What a beautiful post. These tips are a wonderful reminder that we must take time for ourselves in order to be a happier better person.
@Susan Cooper I just wish it was under different circumstance, but I guess you have to deal with what you are dealt
@Becc Indeed that is true.
I love these bucket fillers. Right now, my thing is going for my hour walk in the mornings. That’s my time to be in my head with no interruptions.
@TinaGray1 I love that idea, but for me unworkable due to the ridiculous time my son wakes me. Although next week, I will be walking him to pre-school, so maybe the walk home will be my time. Is this when you come up with your blogs?
I sneak off to the movies when I can (at least twice a month) – I go by myself and to a preferably unpopular session so I have no one sitting near me – it’s my meditation – I clear the mind and remove myself from my reality. If the movie is good, I might even come out of uplifted (I was elated after Last Tycoon – it had the total emotional cathartic feeling going on).
@pandoraandmax I’m not a person who is comfortable going to a movie by myself…no idea why. It’s a great idea though as you can lose yourself in movies so easily
@Becc The funniest thing is, while it felt weird the first few times, it’s actually now my preferred outing. Occasionally if a friend is going thru something I’ll invite them along and then I’m all distracted by if I’m sitting too close to them or moving too much or laughing too loud…much happier on my own in the cinema.
I love these bucket fillers! My latest is coconut water. Such a powerful source of hydration and good energy.
@MojitoMother I have heard of it but yet to try it. I need to ensure coconut will sit well with my first and second get my head around the thought of what it would taste like
I love that I can get a peek at how you handle your intolerances and allergies. I really worry about how my son will cope as he gets older. I really hope he grows out of some of it.
#teamIBOT
@iSophie I do too Sophie. Sometimes they just take over way too much of your life and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.
A good thing for your son is that you know about them so early. He will grow up not knowing any different and this should make it easier.
I love ALL of these bucket fillers hun and I would gladly put my name down for any and all of them. You are so right – that bucket does need to be refilled but usually we are so busy trying to fill everyone elses we often forget our own. Thanks for the reminder – now excuse me, Im off to look for things to fill my bucket with! xxx
@lifelovehiccups Yes, Sonia, why is it we are so ready to fill everyone else and not ourselves? I have been forced into it and have to look after me or I may just go insane