Driving On Empty…How Far Can You Go?

​I See the Light…

Ladies, Many of us despise stopping for gas, yet it is a Necessity!

Now, we know that the illuminated fuel light indicates that fuel is low, yet there is a process and an indication that fuel is depleting long before it hits the E for empty. Consistently driving with low fuel levels will soon cause severe damage to a vehicle, particularly the gas pump itself.

What was funny and not so funny was that my car was being fixed for this very thing some time ago! It was unexpected; one night after leaving a meeting, I got in my car like usual, and it would crank, but it would not start. Another funny thing is that before this malfunction with my vehicle, I had this conversation with my sister about my next blog driving on empty-go figure!

Although my car gave me a practical way to introduce driving on empty in reference to your Mind, Body, and Soul, you must know this post is much deeper than my car! I reference Mind, Body, and Soul because often, we drive on empty in these areas, not realizing how damaging it is. Before we know it, we hit rock bottom, and we can Crank but are Unable to Start! We are essentially made aware of our depletion through subtle or not-so-subtle signs. Those signs come in the form of STRESS!

Guess What? A number one cause of depletion is STRESS, physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain within the Mind, Body, & Soul. You are not driving on a full tank stressed out! The Key to Not Running Out of Gas is to Keep Your Tank Full or at least Half a tank. The key to Shrinking Stress is to prevent it by having a full tank of sleep, having a proper diet, avoiding excess caffeine and other stimulants and taking time out to relax. Common sense but not common practice!

Some Questions to Consider:
Are You too busy?
Do You Know How to Say No?
What are You doing to Replenish Yourself?
How Can You Improve Your Preventive Measures?
Are You getting enough sleep, eating properly, and taking time out for yourself?
Simple things such as these make life more comfortable and less stressful.

Things To Practice:
Transform daily by renewing your mind!
Learn to release the pressures of the day by detoxing.
Detoxing? Yes, Get Rid of…PURGE anything that is weighing you down.
Anxiety depletes.
Learn how to cast your burdens and not be anxious about anything.
Finally, Meditate on good things!

Personal Evaluation:
Take some time for yourself and by yourself with pen and paper. Consider the information provided and the questions asked… Take it upon yourself to evaluate your current state and determine if you are about to be stranded! When we drive on low fuel, that invites anxiety, stress, and unnecessary frustration. 

Do yourself a favor; Pull over and fill your tank up! Do not allow a constant state of low fuel to produce a significant malfunction in your Mind, Body, & Soul!

Possible Solutions:
Pay Attention to yourself and your fuel levels.
Fill your tank with High-octane fuel!
Balance work and play!
Enjoy your life, plan, and intentionally fill your tank with everything you need to be stress-free and successful!

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light”. Matthew 11:28-30

This is an opportunity to UpGrade Your LifeStyle by recognizing and preventing stress! I hope this was helpful, from my heart to yours! 

~Let’s UpGrade, Natalie Nicole


p.s. The answer is not very far!

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