I checked another huge item off my to-do list, which is also part of my life goals list. Afterwards, I celebrated a little in my usual fashion (hint: it involved Netflix and popcorn . . . a lot of popcorn), but I knew I had another long list of items I had been putting off. I couldn’t face them all right away, and I’m still struggling with feeling empty and exhausted.

It seems to be a good lesson in balance. You will be emptied and you will expend energy as you pursue a goal. Even normal daily activities like interacting with people may sap your resources. You have a choice: wait till you hit empty or fill up as you go. If you’re lucky, those very things you spend your energy on will be the ones that fill you up. If not, awareness is key. Whether you think of your energy and well-being as a gas tank or a checking account, monitor the level frequently. Either one can leave you stranded if ignored.

As I write this, I realize that my celebration was my typical relaxation, but it felt more like feeding my body with junk food than healthy food (yes, okay — that was part of the celebration). At this point in life, I know what I should do to take care of myself, but I’m still getting stuck at that gap between awareness and action. I have to keep reminding myself again and again how good it feels to feel good – physically, mentally, and emotionally – so that I will take the effort to do what fills me up properly. Hopefully, someday I won’t even view taking care of myself as effort.