“Did you eat yet?”

Every now and then, someone asks me this. Most of the time, my answer is a simple “yes” or “no, but I will soon!” But occasionally, it’s a “no” followed by an “I don’t have time to.” Sometimes, I try to fit a whole bowl of poke while balancing my laptop with one hand in the time it takes for me to pack my bag. I’m often scrambling to get something done in the time most people would block out for a meal. And every now and again, I just don’t have time to eat.

But not eating doesn’t just mean skipping a meal—it can also mean not having time to nourish my mind and soul.

 

Health Over Work

Today’s world glorifies being busy—pushing yourself to the limit, working until you’re completely drained, and treating health as an afterthought. People wear exhaustion like a badge of honor, exchanging stories about how little sleep they got the night before—as if the most tired person wins. Over time, this mindset turns into a habit—one where work always comes first, even at the expense of well-being.

We’re often told that the key to success is working hard for the things we want. And while there is truth to that, it doesn’t consider an important question: Are the things we want actually what we need? And even if they are, is the way we’re chasing them truly fulfilling? 

Of course, defining what is fulfilling looks differently for everyone, but if you find yourself constantly burned out—whether physically, mentally, or emotionally—it may be time to step back and ask: What is actually important?

We need to make time for what truly feeds us—not just the things that advance our careers and ambitions, but the things that sustain us along the way. Because if we don’t, we risk running on empty, chasing goals without ever feeling full.

 

What does it mean to eat?

Eating isn’t just about food. It’s about feeding the mind, body, and soul. It means giving yourself what you need—physically, mentally, and, if applicable, spiritually.

Physically, eating means taking care of your body—meeting its nutritional needs, resting when you need to, and making sure you feel your best, on your own terms. For me, that looks like making time to eat even on busy days, taking naps when my energy dips, or letting myself sleep in when I have the chance to recharge.

Mentally, eating means giving yourself space to breathe, especially in a world that never really quiets down. It means spending time on things you love, not because you have to, but simply because they bring you joy. It means investing in friendships and relationships that grow and encourage you, instead of draining you. For me, this looks like surrounding myself with people who I can truly be myself around, knowing they can do the same with me. It also means carving out time for small joys—whether it’s a self-care night, watching a movie or a TV show that I’ve put off, or just relaxing on my bean bag surrounded by my plushies.

Spiritually, eating can mean reconnecting with your purpose and inspiration. For me, that means spending time with God—whether it’s through prayer in the quiet of my room, or singing off-key worship songs in my car. It means being intentional about my time with my church groups and surrounding myself with people who are also searching for meaning and direction.

 

How do I fill my p̶l̶a̶t̶e̶  cup?

Have you ever said that you have a “full plate”? Or heard someone else say it? Now, have you ever heard someone talk about filling their cup—or needing it to be filled?

A few months ago, I had a conversation with one of my best friends—someone who, at times, knows me better than I know myself (and also reminds me to eat!). We talked about what it means to pour from an empty cup and, more importantly, how to fill it so that we have something to give.

When I say, “filling your cup,” I mean replenishing the energy, joy, and motivation you need to keep going. You can’t pour into others—whether that means showing up for friends excelling in work and academics, or supporting your community—if your own cup is empty. That’s why it’s important to give yourself time to refill it—whatever that may look like for you! Maybe it’s through people who uplift you, experiences that bring you joy or fulfillment, or simply allowing yourself to pause and breathe. However you choose to do it, filling your cup isn’t just about self-care—it’s what allows you to keep going, pursue your goals, and pour into the people and things that matter most.

 

Feed and be fed

At the end of the day, eating—whether it’s for the body, mind, or soul—is what keeps us going. We live in a world that pushes and rewards productivity over well-being—where skipping meals, losing sleep, and running on emptiness are worn like badges of honor. But what’s the point of chasing all the goals that fuel our ambitions, if we’re too drained to enjoy them?

Taking care of ourselves isn’t just about surviving—it’s about making sure we have the energy, passion, and clarity to pour into the things and people around us that matter! It’s about recognizing when our plate is too full, when our cup is running low, and when we need to step back and refill.