Running On Empty

The Best of Jamie's Column: Running On Empty

I suddenly realized the other day that for the first time in many years I felt as if I were running on
empty. I am sure most of us have felt that way at one time or another and can easily relate. It
wasn't until I heard myself say "I'd really like to…but…" coming out of my mouth as I tactfully tried
to explain the reasons why I couldn't attend another meeting, gathering, or luncheon, that I was
jolted into paying attention to what was really going on with me. Running on empty is when we
find ourselves simply going through the motions of living life, in our work, our socializing and in the
tending to the "busy-ness" of our daily routine with little or no enthusiasm. I have always prided
myself in the ability to be a multi-tasking kinda' guy, but lately, I have to tell ya', I'm feeling kinda'
out-of-sorts. I need to rest and breath more and slow down both physically and emotionally! I need
to go within and find that place of renewal, and make more time in my life just to "Be."

I think we mean well when we find ourselves trying to tend to the different obligations and
situations we create in our lives. We believe we can handle everything in an organized and timely
manner with no stress, sweat or hint of struggle. We may find ourselves trying to do all and be all,
while striving to take care of the outer world around us, with often little regard to the sacred world
that lies within us and our own need for nurturing, rest and healing. I find for myself that the
over-activities of life seem to come in lump sums. There will be times of feeling relaxed, laid back
and content for a period of time and I am at peace. Then suddenly, all at once the phone is ringing
with request to speak for the next four weeks in different cities, do two weddings, throw in a funeral
here and there, attend meetings, write my column, make time for the people I love and work a full
time job. Do I handle it? Are you kidding? Spirit does! I have to move into a place of knowing that I
cannot do all of this on my own. I cannot allow myself to be run down or damaged so to speak, in
an attempt to try to be of service to others. Where am I going with all this you ask? No matter what
you believe you are called to do, or be in this life, it is imperative that you love yourself enough to
take care of you! You are of no earthly good to the rest of humanity if you are not in balance within
yourself. You cannot quench the thirst of your brothers when your own well within has run dry.

We must find the time to rest. We must remember that tranquility must always take precedence
over the things that bring us discomfort, pain and even dis-ease. I have had to come to terms with
the truth that if I am not in harmony with my spirit, my life becomes filled with chaos and a whole
lot a' stress. When I am stressed, I am not real fun to hang with folks. When I am tired, I am even
less fun to hang with. Lately there are moments seeping in on my busy schedule that feel pretty
darn stressful, I'm not affirming that I'm tired or anything, but I'm just sure that a lawn chair on
some high overlook in the Smoky Mountains near Dollywood could sure make things seem much
brighter. (smile)

I do plan on slowing down some in the next few months, not to say I will do less, but I will pace
myself and enjoy the view along the way just a little more. Wynonna Judd once said, "That real life
is not found in the destination, but rather in the journey." Hmmmm…I think the girl might just be
right! Do I ever think of quitting all my very busy activities or consider giving up on my Spiritual
quest? Sure I do! I have wondered what it would be like to just work a 9 to 5 job and go home and
never speak or sing to a group of people again, to write another one of these articles, or marry two
people in love or to bury a loved one. Yeah, I do think of it from time to time. Especially when I am
feeling like it is all too much to handle. Would I ever give it up? Nahhhhhh! It's my joy, it's my
passion. Take time to maybe count the stars, feel the breeze on a sunny day and just relish being
alive in this awesome world. Until Next Month, Be good to yourself, be good to others and keep
spreading "The Light."

Jamie Sanders is an ordained New Thought Minister, ordained through The Barbara King School of
Ministry in Atlanta, Georgia. He has been the producer and host of his own weekly television
program, "Positive Living" and is an active speaker, workshop facilitator and performer for Unity
Churches, retreats and other New Thought organizations. He is a featured columnist for "The Light"
and "Alternatives" magazine and currently resides in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. For more
information on available dates for speaking or for correspondence you can e-mail him at
Jamie1118@aol.com, or visit his web site at www.jamiesanders.com