You Can't Give From A Place Of Lack

We often hear the phrase, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” but it’s more than just a saying—it’s a truth that runs deep. Whether we’re parents, teachers, or caregivers, many of us find ourselves in roles where we’re expected to give endlessly. But what happens when we’re trying to provide something we haven’t received ourselves?

As parents, we want to give our children the best, but it’s tough to teach patience, resilience, or self-love if those weren’t modeled for us. Teachers and mentors, too, face this reality: we can only guide others to places we’ve been. Our ability to give—whether it’s wisdom, support, or care—comes from what we’ve experienced and nurtured within ourselves.

But here’s the thing: many of us feel the pressure to always put others first, neglecting our own needs along the way. We might think it’s noble or selfless, but when we’re running on empty, we’re not just shortchanging ourselves—we’re limiting what we can offer those who rely on us.

Olga Lifeisgood