From the title of this post, you might think that I am asking whether you are drinking tea or coffee? What are you steeping? That would be my topic….right? Actually, I am taking a different road and asking…what fills your cup with joy? Sometimes that gleeful feeling or just contentment, joy comes in many forms and may be unique to you. Today, a moment of good reflection that has you ask yourself the question – what fills your cup?
I like to take time to reflect on what brings me joy and contentment. It helps me to stay focused on priorities and what really matters. In the bible, we are instructed to remember those times when we have been delivered or protected, when we are joyful and content. So I am taking a moment to share with you, what fills my cup in hopes that you might be able to find the same moments. Come along on a short journey that I hope gives you some smiles.
Here are some things that bring me joy.
My faith…ultimately centering
Some time in the morning, to set the stage for the day, to inspire – to encourage – to readjust is critical to me. And doing this through study and time in the bible is key. When I have stepped away or don’t make time for whatever reason, I always find myself running back to this foundation.
My Family…my sisters
Family brings me joy. My children, now grown and with families, my sisters who have become my closest friends. Now admittedly, growing up we were not always close, but now – we are joined. We all share a love of afternoon tea and vintage china. Even in a virtual moment, we are crazy together and yet ground each other as we go through life’s journeys. We have each other’s backs….this brings me joy.
My Grandchildren…and their feet
Grandchildren fill my cup. I will frequently turn to them, cup my hands in a heart and ask them “What’s filling my cup?” Then pretend to explode and over fill my cup as I point to them. So many things come to mind but one in particular are their little feet. In shoes, in slippers, or barefoot, littles feet bring me joy.
Banging loudly on my piano, I listen while the little hands gleefully pound out a tune only to see little feet dangling at the bench. I remember that I started the same way in my grandmother’s house. Along with little bump-toe sneakers, a loud concert make me smile.
Or just slippers….little chubby feet squeezed into slippers and just enjoying some breakfast. These little feet remind me of old man slippers and I chuckle every time I see this.
Those moments when girls get to be girls, even when they are little, painting toes those favorite colors (of course with glitter) is a special moment. If you have done that before, you know the challenge of little toes…but precious moments of feeling like a big girl….”can you blow on them to make them dry quickly?”
What little girl doesn’t enjoy wearing dress-up shoes, even if on the wrong feet. You can hear the scuffing through the house, unbalanced and wobbling as they make their way around probably doing the morning shopping.
My Afternoon Teas…..let me serve you
One of my favorite things is to serve tea. Whether breakfast time or afternoon tea, in a group or just together, I love to create the experience for my guests. In the planning, the preparation and the serving, it delights me to see people refreshed. It can be simple or lavish, knowing that you feel pampered or special just fills my cup.
My Home…my sanctuary
I have moved several times in my life and in each house, I find a point of sanctuary, where I can sit and reflect. It is a place that I can have that quiet moment to think, pray, or just pause. With a cup of tea and my feet up….I take a deep breath and I find joy and contentment, a sanctuary for not only myself but for others as well.
My Stepping Stones….
Le’ts break this into some pragmatic steps that you might be able to apply to your life. I don’t claim to be an expert – but a sojourner who has found a path. Add to that journey, miles and years and you begin to look back and learn, look forward and continue. Here are some common sense steps that I try to do on a daily basis.
- Every day….begin to set the stage with a heart of gratitude. When I wake in the morning, I will literally say “Good morning Lord” and “thank you for the day.”
- A morning time of reflection. I start with spending time alone and in my bible. It focuses me and keeps me level.
- List out my blessings. Deliberately list out the good – the blessings, the challenging – lessons learned and ….but always end on the blessings. Especially at the end of the day, while I lay in bed and will go through my list..
- Compartmentalize. During a difficult time in life, a good friend taught me how to envision a box to put those things that were hard in my life. I would deal with them and put them in the box. Then up onto a top shelf went the box, put away. If I am unnecessarily dwelling on things, I learn from it and then toss it into my mental box and put it on my high shelf.
- Surround myself with positivity. Seems simple and almost offensive at times when all you hear and see is the difficult times in the world, but I know that aligning myself with positive people, identifying those things that work well for me makes me more joyful and ready to help others along the way. Identify those points of negativity and reframe it.
- Plan my day. I admittedly am a list person even for the routine daily stuff, so planning for me is helpful. As much as possible, plan the day. Idle time is not good for the soul.
- Don’t take myself too seriously – I think that life in all its seriousness provides us times of humor and for me, that frequently involves laughing at ME. I love to laugh at myself, even making sure that my friends and family know what silly or stupid thing I may have done, wishing them a good belly laugh even at my own expense.
- There is more than just me in this world. The world is big and there is pain and suffering. Its helpful for me to keep my place in it all in perspective….I guess you might say that you strive for humility. Take care of myself but realize, its not all about me.
Now on to making a cup of tea and readying an afternoon tea, I thank you for coming along….for taking a moment to hopefully be inspired to ask yourself….“What fills my cup?”
56 Comments
Kristin
Your grandchildren are blessed to fill your cup. So many kids (including mine) have mostly absentee grandparents. I hope to one day become a grandma like you and keep what is truly important in life at the forefront.
Beth
Hi Kristen – Thanks so much for sharing a little of your story. Well I wasn’t close with my grandparents growing up, and my kids were not either. So when I became a grandma, I decided to take a different approach and pour into them and I have been blessed. Hope that you have the same experience. Glad you enjoyed the post and again, thank you.
Holly
Beautiful post! Gratitude for those every day little things bring me joy and a happy heart! Thank you for sharing your story!
Beth
Hi Holly – Well this was a little detour from my routine posts but had these pictures and given everything, felt like it was appropriate. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thanks for sharing your journey as well. Appreciate the comment.
Laura Lee
My grandsons fill my cup! I’m visiting them in TX right now. I live in OR. This morning I walked into the bathroom and they were helping my daughter and I clean the house by using their toothbrushes, toothpaste, and hand soap to clean the mirror. They’re 4 and 5. I didn’t dare scold them. They genuinely thought they were helping and it was so cute. When the 5 year old tried to wipe it off with hands, he said, “Look nana – it makes art!”
Beth
Hi Laura – Thanks so much for sharing your morning. Yes, it sure is a blessing. And now you look at the mirror in a different light…and will smile. And who knows, toothpaste might become next universal cleaner! Enjoy and glad you are having a visit. Thanks for your comment.
Douglas Jasper
I think it is small but special moments with family for me.
Beth
Hi Douglas – Thanks for your comment. I think its also eating out for you as I have read your posts, which I enjoy very much. But yes, family is the best.
Sarah Camp
This is so cute – and a great reminder to all of us that we are really fortunate in this upside-down world right now and to find things to be grateful for every day. I love the photos of you and your sisters!
Beth
Hi Sarah – Thanks so much and very glad that you enjoyed the post. My sisters are the best for sure. It is a bit upside down right now – so you do have to find those moments (and I believe they are there). Appreciate your comment.
Barbara
Very nice………always good to stop and smell the roses (so to speak). My cup is filled by the Lord, daily………..by my crazy looney tune sisters (who can find humor in absolutely nothing)…………by my hubby who thinks he’s funny and he is not, yet sometimes we can share a laugh over nothing …just that odd something that only “we get”.
Nice reminder.
Beth
Hi Barbara – Yes, it is always good to reflect. Thanks for sharing about your looney tune sisters (ahem) and your hubby. Glad that you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment.
Kendra
This is such a FEEL GOOD post! Those cute little feet just made me smile even more! Thanks for sharing your cup filling joy! I love it!
Beth
Hi Kendra – Thanks so much for your comment. And delighted that you enjoyed the post. I normally don’t do these kind of posts but just
felt like it was time and wanted to share some of the fun stuff for sure. Glad you enjoyed the feet – yup, the make me smile too!
Alyssa
What a sweet post! I would agree with you my family definitely fills my cup! I don’t have kids yet (hopefully soon) but I do have 4 beautiful neices!
Beth
Hi Alyssa – Thanks for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post. I am sure you enjoy your beautiful nieces – how sweet and thanks for sharing.
Suz
Lovely, feel-good article, thank you. The little legs under the table – great shot! Just reading this calmed me this afternoon.
Wish my grandbabies weren’t away over in Germany!
Beth
Hi Suz – Thanks so much for your comments – made my day as well. And so very pleased that you enjoyed the post. This is a little diversion from my normal and just felt like we all needed some of this. My grandbabies aren’t all here either but when they are, I pour into them for sure. I am sure that German feels like a long way away. Hope you get to see them soon. Grateful for skyping though – I do skype with all of them….even the littles. Thanks again!
Tricia Snow
I agree … starting every day with gratitude is so important! And grandchildren piggies are a must!
Beth
Hi Tricia – Thanks so much for your comment. Glad that you enjoyed the post and the piggies!
Lisa Manderino
All of these things bring me joy as well! It is the simple things!
Beth
Hi Lisa – Thanks for your comment and glad you enjoyed the post. Yes, it is the simple things for sure.
Danielle Ardizzone
Beautiful post. My kids fill my cup (along with morning coffee, which helps me deal with the kids).
Beth
Hi Danielle – So glad that you enjoyed the post and thanks for your comment. Yes, tea or coffee certainly do help in the challenges but no way over shadow those moments of blessing. Thanks!
Santana
I love everything about this post! It definitely raises some questions for me. I have a lot to think about.
Beth
Hi Santana – I am so glad that you enjoyed the post and it has made you reflect. A bit different than my other posts but wanted to share some of this. Thanks fro your comment.
Sara
Time with my husband and kids is what fills my cup.
Beth
Hi Sara – That’s very special for sure. Thanks for your comment.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
Love that you are finding the joy in the simplest of moments. For me its strolling through the garden at first light, hearing the sound of the rooster crow every now and again.
Beth
Hi Suzan – So glad that you enjoyed the post. I can imagine that strolling through your garden early in the day would become one of my favs as well. These things just make you take a deep breath and smile. Thanks for sharing and for your comment.
Jane
I’m grateful for another day that was not promised. Good health and family that’s all that matters. Thank you for sharing this post. Very enlightening especially during this time.
Beth
Hi Jane – Thank you so much for your comments. And yes, another day not promised. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Charlene
I love that your home is filled with small people, music, and love! Your tea setting is beautiful, too!
Beth
Hi Charlene – Thank you so much for your comment. Yes my house is full of littles. I appreciate your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Lina Thao
Such a sweet post! For me, it’s definitely my family 🙂
Beth
Hi Lina – Thank you so much for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, family is a big part for sure.
Cathy
Great question! and a great post! I like your little detour in writing style! What fills my cup? I think my husband and my children. But, it’s my Lord that gives me joy when I have none. Thanks!
Beth
Hi Cathy – Thank you so much for your thoughts and comment. Much appreciated and glad that you enjoyed the detour. And I agree, it is my Lord that give me joy as well…pretty amazing!
Alice
Oh my! Time with my Bible and my journal in the morning and the rare chance I get to see my grandchildren! I will also add singing in church or by myself!
Beth
Hi Alice – Appreciate your comment. Yes, my Bible is my companion as well. I love the strength of your journal as well. And yes, music for sure – I only had so much time in my post ha! Thanks again and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Marianne
Nice post! My kiddos fill my cup. They are at the perfect age where we can have great conversation, but are not too old where they refuse to snuggle while watching a movie. COVID has been tough on them, but it has been a great reason to reconnect as a family. My younger daughter and I have both been keeping a gratitude journal, which also helps to refocus us!
Beth
Hi Marianne – Thanks so much for your great comment. I love the gratitude journal. What a great idea – will be passing that one on. What a great age – cherish it for sure. As times move on and everyone grows up, there will be moments when you wish you could sit on the couch and have those great conversations. Thanks again and glad that you enjoyed the post.
Eva Keller
Great post! Everyone should sit and think about this from time to time.
Beth
Hi Eva – Thanks so much for your comment and glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, important to reflect and then get about the business. Thanks.
Cindy
My list is similar to yours…my faith, my family, the grandkids, my journey, writing and creating, movies, tea time and travel All fill my cup’
Beth
Hi Cindy – Thanks so much for your comment. So essential to not only have these things but know them as well. Glad that you enjoyed the post.
Annette @ The Digital Teacher Blog
Lovely post!! I love how you engaged the reader in reflecting upon the positive influences in life. Right now, spending time with my family, crafting, and being in nature fills my cup. These are sooo needed during these “down” summer months for me. With school just around the corner, I oftentimes don’t get to “refill my cup” as much as I’d like.
Beth
Hi Annette – Thank you so much for your for your comments. And very glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes, during these times its so important to know what fills your cup. Thanks again.
Christina Furnival
Aw so sweet and special! Thanks for the uplifting post!
Beth
Hi Christina – Thanks so much for your comment and very glad that you enjoyed the post! It was fun to write and reflect. Felt like we needed some uplifting these days.
Charlene
AHHHHH, the feet… SO cute! I love that you do afternoon tea parties too, so charming! All of these suggestions are great ways to “fill your cup”. Faith is a biggie for me too, and also cleaning marine debris off beaches.
Beth
Hi Charlene – So glad that you enjoyed the post. It was one of my favorites to write and a little diversion from my usual. Faith is the best. Keep filling that cup. Thanks for your comment.
Keirsten
This post is adorable. I love the video chat with your sisters & the big hats. And of course, the kiddie feet, so precious.
Beth
Hi Keirsten – So glad that you enjoyed the post. Yes it was some of my very favorite things. Thank you for your comments.
Chelsea
So much gratitude in this post! I love it. You and your sisters’ with your hats are totally ready for tea time. So cute. And I’m glad I’m not the only one how takes pics of their kids (or grandkids’) feet! I love their little toes and shoes. So adorable. Thanks for sharing your blessings with us!
Beth
Hi Chelsea – Well, you made my day with your comment. Thanks so much for your comment and delighted you were blessed by the post. Its also good to stop and look at what does fill us up. Hmmm I think I need to take more pictures of little feet. Your comment inspired me to go back and reread that post….and yup, the feet still make me smile. I am blessed.