Anderson and I played in his baby pool this past weekend. We took turns filling each other’s buckets. He held an orange one, and I held a purple one. This exchanging of water took some time. It got me to thinking of the importance of filling each other’s buckets up with love, support, kindness, etc. Equally important is that we don’t empty other’s buckets with negativity with judgement, harsh words, etc. Also, I think it is important that we don’t empty our own buckets out completely when giving to others. We have to fill our own bucket up by loving ourselves and taking care of our needs.

As mothers we tend to be really good at emptying out our buckets for others- our spouse, our kids, our children, etc. leaving our bucket empty. We do not know how to express how we need our buckets to be filled. I’ve had to learn the hard way this year about taking care of my own bucket. I detest asking for help. I’ve had to learn how to say I’m taking some time for me- a nap, a pedicure, a binge of a Netflix series-whatever it takes for me to reconnect to me.

And then there’s the cliché bucket list. I’ve also learned how important this list is as well. Life is way too short to not go for your dreams, even if they seem small. Although I haven’t done much on this bucket list, I’ve gotten started. I’m pushing myself to seek the uncomfortable.

Each of us has our own bucket- it’s up to us to take care of it, share in others’ buckets, and seek new opportunities.

I wish I had taken care of Anderson and our buckets.