A story about being taught the importance of focusing on 'filling your own heart' first.

The other day, I read a wonderful article.

Asuzu's

157. It's okay to fill your own heart first.

is the title.

This article conveys the importance of
'filling your own heart first.'

For example...
it talks about a situation in childcare.

At first glance,
you might think,
'Isn't that a selfish way of thinking?'

Some may even feel the 'absurdity' of
'prioritizing yourself.'

Asuzu continues by
explaining it this way.

Asuzu teaches us that the act of 'filling your own heart'
ends up making the people around you happy.

Also, she uses a cup as a metaphor
to illustrate the state of mind mentioned above.

Very easy to understand!!

Fill your own heart's cup to the brim, and then share the overflowing 'happiness' with someone else.
share the overflowing 'happiness' with someone else.
share the overflowing 'happiness' with someone else.

You are also full of happiness.

The person you shared it with is also full of happiness.

It's a win-win for both sides,
and you can build a wonderful relationship.

✔ Start with yourself
to become happy

Yesterday, I published the following article.

In this article,
to change habits, start with actions.
To change actions, start with the heart.

This content deepens our learning
about the famous quote by William James,
which explains human behavioral psychology.

William James has left behind
other wonderful quotes as well.

The quote above
is also relevant to the article by 'Asuzu'
that I introduced this time.

You don't feel happy because those around you are happy.
You feel happy because 'you are happy',

and that makes those around you feel happy.

After reading 'Asuzu's' article,
that is how I felt.

It is human kindness to find yourself suppressing your inner feelings and
wanting to prioritize others.

As a sensible person, 'respecting others' is
an essential way of thinking.

It is by no means a wrong action.

However, if you suppress your heart too much and
your 'cup of happiness' becomes
empty, it is meaningless.

If your heart is not filled,

'Why is it always me...'
'No one is looking at me...'
'What is the point of this...'

With such painful and empty feelings,
your existence will likely be crushed.

A dark mood naturally manifests from the heart to the body and
spreads to those around you.

If people feel, 'That person is always gloomy,' then
no one will want to come near you.

You will increasingly place yourself
in an environment far from happiness.

Before that happens...

As 'Asuzu'-san also says,
'First, before anything else,
　fill your own heart'.

The fulfillment of your own heart
that is born from doing so
creates room in your way of thinking.

It eliminates impatience from your actions.

You will not get irritated by unexpected behavior.

As a result, both you and the people around you
can become happy.

* * * * *

People who can fill their own
empty cup are blessed.

Depending on the person, there are some who
cannot fill their own empty cup.

Also, there are people who have
a hole in the bottom of their cup.

They cannot fill their cup
on their own no matter what.

"I'm just..."
"It's impossible for me."

People who resort to such self-deprecation
might have a hole in their heart's cup.

If you happen to see such a person,
there is only one action you should take.

Please share a little of your happiness with them.

Of course,
only after you have filled your own heart.

When you see someone who resorts to self-deprecation
and cannot accept themselves, please think this.

"Ah, this person
has a hole in their heart's cup."

And then, even if it's just a little,
please share some happiness with them.

A greeting is fine.

Speaking to them with a smile is also okay.

Little by little, even with a cup that has a hole,
happiness will accumulate.

And that accumulation will surely
transform into a miracle that changes 'that person's' life.

If you feel that someone has changed,
by seeing them as they are,
you will be able to find even greater happiness.

A person who fills their own heart,
and fills the hearts of those around them as well.

While I strongly wish
to become such a great person.

Well then, until next time.
Goodbye.

Thank you,
Asuzu!