Have you ever found yourself running on empty, but instead of stopping, you push through—telling yourself, I’ll slow down soon… just after this project… just after this event… just after this next thing?

I knew I was heading on a holiday with my dear friend Jo-Anne Jones and her husband on Saturday. I can do all the things and then go!

That was me last week.

I love what I do. Every day, I get to work with incredible people, inspire growth, and be part of something bigger than myself. But last week, my body had other plans. I wasn’t feeling well, but instead of listening, I kept going. I convinced myself I could push through.

And then… I had an event—one that ended with a 911 call.

I am fine now, but it was a wake-up call. A real, undeniable sign that my body was trying to get my attention.

It made me think of a story I’ve heard many times before (Beth, you know it!), but when I heard it again last week, it hit differently. It resonated on a whole new level.

Imagine a glass jar. You begin by filling it with the big rocks—these represent the most important things in your life: your health, your well-being, your family, and your good friends—the people who support you, lift you up, and share your vision.

Once the jar seems full, you add medium-sized rocks—your work, your responsibilities, your commitments.

The jar appears full again. But then, you pour in small pebbles and sand—the emails, the little tasks, the endless to-do list that often fills our days.

Now, if you had started with the sand, there wouldn’t have been room for the big rocks.

But that’s what so many of us do.

We fill our days with everything else before prioritizing ourselves and the people who truly matter. We push through, believing we can add in our own well-being later.

Here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup.

I would like to consider myself someone who usually balances all the things, but the reality is—it can sneak up on you. One moment, you think you have it all under control, and the next, you realize you’re completely unbalanced.

I’ve always understood this concept in theory, but last week, it became real for me.

And you know what else became real? The importance of the people in my life—my family, my friends, and my team—who reminded me to take a step back, to breathe, to take care of myself. They are part of my big rocks, and I never want to take that for granted.

If you’re feeling run down, overwhelmed, or like you’re constantly “pushing through”… take a step back. Listen to your body. Prioritize the big rocks first.

Because if you don’t, your body will find a way to make you stop.

I’ve learned my lesson—have you?

Take care of yourself, and don’t forget to lean on the people who truly matter. XO

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Warm regards,

Kathleen

Kathleen Bokrossy, RDH, BSc ~ Founder | President