Have you ever found yourself giving so much energy to others that, by the time you get home, there’s nothing left for the people who matter most? That was me—not too long ago. I’m the type who loves to lift others, to inspire, to give my all to the people around me. It feels good to empower others, right? To be the source of light, support, and positivity for those who need it. But what I didn’t realize was that, at the end of the day, I was running on empty.

My kids, my wife, and my family—they were getting the leftover version of me. The depleted version. And honestly, that wasn’t fair to them. It wasn’t fair to me. I was so busy pouring into everyone else that I forgot to fill my own cup.

It’s one thing to pour into others, but it’s another to do it at the expense of those closest to you—or at the expense of yourself. I had to learn the hard way that it’s not sustainable. You can't give what you don’t have. If we’re constantly pouring into others without taking the time to replenish ourselves, we're bound to burn out. Both personally and professionally.

The truth is, you have to surround yourself with people who fill your cup, too. You know the ones I’m talking about—the people who give you energy, who remind you of your worth, and who help you recharge, even after a long day. These are the people who lift you up, who see the best in you, and who don’t drain your energy but instead give you a sense of peace and fulfillment.

The people you spend your time with have a huge impact on your energy. If you're surrounded by those who constantly take without giving, it’s easy to end up feeling depleted. But when you’re intentional about building relationships with those who fill your cup, you create space for yourself to recharge, to feel whole again.

This is a lesson I’m still learning: Protect your energy. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary. If I want to show up as my best self—whether it’s for work, my family, or myself—I need to make sure I’m not drained. And that means being mindful of who I give my time and energy to. It means carving out space for people who uplift me, who energize me, so that when I go home, I’m not giving my family the leftovers. 

Your presence is the real gift. Not the tired, exhausted, going-through-the-motions version of you. But the real you—the one who can engage, laugh, listen, and truly connect. That’s what your loved ones need. That’s what you need.

At the end of the day, success isn’t just about what you achieve in your career. It’s about the connections you nurture and the energy you preserve for what truly matters. It’s about being fully present, not just at work, but with the people who mean the most.

 So, my advice to you is simple: surround yourself with people who fill your cup. Protect your energy. Be intentional about who you give your time to, and make sure you’re recharging so you can show up fully for those who matter most. Your family deserves it. You deserve it.

Stay soulful, stay balanced, and remember to fill your cup.