Lessons learned from a state of euphoria

I sat by a pool with an old Subway Footlong and all I got was the feeling of pure euphoria!

Ahhh, I’m writing this from a pool in Seattle! Picture it (literally below): my knees in the air, laptop leaning against my thighs, I just finished the other half of yesterday’s Subway footlong in the sun and now I have a peach sparkling water in hand. Actually, I’ve got twelve of them nearby because, you know, I came prepared. I feel euphoric! This is what alignment feels like. Solo travel, unlimited cold beverages, and sunshine, all while doing work that energizes me!

Literally me, right now!

This is exactly why I pitch myself to speak at conferences and events in cities other than my own. Public speaking is one of my energizing abilities and the opportunity (if I get it) usually includes travel, lodging, and a pass to Meg’s Good Time. It’s no coincidence that two of my absolute favorite things (hanging by a pool and solo adventuring) are happening simultaneously right now. Add in 3 of my top 6 core values (adventure, fun, and freedom) and everything is aligned! I feel euphoric! Alive! Totally me! Connected to Meg, Myself, and I (the Meg trinity!). I’m getting more work done, ideas are flowing, and I’ll return home feeling more energy than before.

I’ve learned that I absolutely have to design my life and career (as much as I can control) around doing the activities that make me feel this way. When I do, I make better work, have a bigger imagination, I can show up in my relationships better, and I can have the energy and longevity to fight to make the world better.

I call these my “cup-filling activities.” When I get to do them regularly, I feel energized, aligned, and unstoppable. Some of these activities are big and sporadic, like solo travel or lounging by a pool with a fizzy drink in hand. But most of the time, life’s not offering poolside getaways. That’s why the monthly, weekly, daily activities that fill my cup and are more accessible matter even more.

Some of my regular cup-filling activities are:

• Walking as a mode of transportation!

• Dancing!

• Weightlifting

• Trying new things

• Going on little solo adventures in my city!

When I can make time for these simple things, I feel whole. Euphorically ME. Closer to true self-confidence and creative freedom than ever. And I find that I feel more lasting energy when they’re done regularly.

And yet, life happens. Things get complicated. Moves to places where I can’t walk safely or find the kind of dance classes I love. Or schedules that don’t allow for my usual 90-minute weightlifting routine. When these cup-filling activities fall away, I feel it. I feel…off. Disconnected in a way that’s hard to place. More vulnerable to self-consciousness, less in-tune with myself…until I realize what’s missing.

It’s all so crispy clear now because I’m literally doing a handful of my favorite things at once. Sun on my shoulders. The sound of a British man doing laps while his friends discuss American tipping protocol (they’re unhappy). Writing in a stream of consciousness. Right now, I am fully, euphorically me in every sense of the word. I’m not worried about how I’m being perceived, if my body looks weird, or if I said something weird 5 years ago. My mind is locked-in on making the world a better place, new ideas for being a better partner, loving thoughts about my friends. This kind of alignment feels like they key to everything else in my life. It’s from this alignment that I do my best creative work, find my flow, and feel like I’m contributing my best self to the world.

Now, I’m not saying you need to take up weightlifting or give talks on stage just to land some free pool time (though hey, if that’s an energizing ability, go for it!). The lesson here isn’t about doing my activities. It’s about figuring out what fills your cup. What are those activities that make you feel radiant, alive, and completely tuned in to who you are? What’s your version of walking as a mode of transportation or dancing 100% by yourself?

Once you know what those moments are, you’ve got to fight for them. Protect your time for them. We’re all sad and tired and desensitized and numb. We’re all busy. There’s never enough time, and yet, how much of our time goes toward mindless scrolling or plopping on the couch because everything else feels overwhelming? I’ve been there and fall into it constantly. But now I know that when I make space for my cup-filling activities, it’s like recharging my soul. I can show up better for my loved ones, my work, and fight harder for a better world.

Whatever your activities are, don’t push them aside. Don’t tell yourself, “I’ll get to that someday eventually.” Your best self is waiting in those moments and a fulfilled life will come when you can prioritize them regularly. Your energy, your inspiration, your alignment with the person you truly are, it’s all in that space where you’re doing what makes you YOU.

Okay gotta get back in the pool now. The sun is about to set!

This week, focus on: prioritizing an activity that fills your cup

What are the activities that make you feel closer to yourself? Jot them down. Now, make an intentional effort to do one of them this week. And maybe you can make a plan to do one every week for a whole month!