Running on Empty

I HATE getting gas. Absolutely hate it. It’s one of those things I put off as long as humanly possible. I’ll drive around on empty, hoping I can make it just a little farther, even though I know I’m going to have to stop eventually. The only thing that gets me to pull into a gas station is my anxiety—when that little gas light comes on, my brain immediately starts running through worst-case scenarios. Getting stuck on the side of the road? No, thanks.

No matter how much I don’t want to stop, I always do—because I have to. The hassle of standing in the cold, pumping gas, and taking time out of my day still outweighs the absolute nightmare of being stranded.

But why doesn’t every other aspect of life feel this non-negotiable? When it comes to things like eating better, exercising, resting, or working toward goals, we treat them like they’re optional. The reality is, they’re just as necessary as gas in a car. If we don’t refuel, we will get stuck—it just happens more slowly and subtly.

Why We Run Out of Gas in Life

Just like a car, we don’t suddenly go from full to empty. It happens gradually. We push ourselves too hard, neglect our needs, and ignore the warning signs—exhaustion, lack of focus, and frustration.

But here’s the difference: when a car’s gas light comes on, we take it seriously. We stop and refuel. When our personal fuel runs low, we convince ourselves we can push through. We tell ourselves we don’t have time, that rest is a luxury, or that we’ll deal with it later. By the time we acknowledge the problem, we’re already stranded.

How to Keep Your Tank Full

1. Recognize the warning lights. Just like you wouldn’t ignore a flashing fuel light, don’t ignore signs of burnout—fatigue, stress, and feeling stuck are signals you need to recharge.

2. Refuel before it’s too late. Don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted. Small, consistent habits like eating well, moving, and resting can keep you running smoothly.

3. Use the right fuel. You wouldn’t put the wrong gas in your car, so don’t do it to yourself. Quick fixes like junk food, endless scrolling, or overworking don’t provide real energy. Prioritize real nourishment—physical, mental, and emotional.

4. Make it a non-negotiable. The best thing I ever did for myself was stop making exercise a choice. It’s my fuel, just like the gas in my car. I don’t debate whether I feel like working out—I just do it, because I know it keeps me running.

5. Take action when you’re stuck. If your car runs out of gas, you don’t just sit there—you find a way to get moving again. When you’re feeling stuck in life, take small steps to get back on track.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Stopping for gas may be annoying, but it’s necessary. Life is no different. If you don’t take time to refuel yourself, you will get stuck. The good news? You always have the power to fill your tank and keep moving forward.