Is Your Love Cup Full, Halfway, or Running on Empty?

by Chef Lara

We’ve all heard the expression “Love Cup,” right?

When I was little, if I got upset or overwhelmed, my mom would gently ask, “Is your love cup empty?” That one question—so simple—would bring me back to myself. Sometimes, through tears, I’d admit, “It’s all the way empty, Mama,” and reach for a hug.

Looking back now, I see what a powerful tool she was handing me: the ability to pause, check in, and name what I was really feeling.

---

💧 What Fills—and Empties—Our Love Cups

Today, life moves fast. We’re exposed to so many personalities, energies, and expectations. It’s easy to absorb other people’s frustrations or pain without realizing it.

When we find ourselves overwhelmed, short-tempered, or disconnected, it’s worth asking:Is my love cup running low? Is theirs?

The truth is, many of us never learned how to fill our own love cups. We depend on others to do it for us—which isn’t sustainable. And while connection is part of wellness, so is self-awareness.

We believe you should know how to keep your own cup at least ¾ full—so you’re not constantly running on empty.

---

✨ Filling Your Cup (Without the “E-go”)

Yes, this is where that buzzword self-care comes in—but we go deeper.

Filling your cup is about:

• Checking in with your emotional, physical, and spiritual needs

• Being willing to sit with what hurts, name it, and begin to heal

• Letting go of old pain and perfectionism

• Replacing ego with Lov—intention without expectation

We spell it “Lov” without the “E”—because it’s love without ego.

---

🌿 Ways to Give Lov (and Fill Others, Too)

Social wellness is one of the 8 core dimensions we teach at 360 Wellness Collective. We are not meant to walk this life alone.

Simple ways to offer Lov:

• Give a sincere compliment: “You have great energy.” “That was brave.”

• Greet someone warmly—hug, eye contact, or smile

• Say thank you and mean it

• Open a door. Offer a seat. Share your umbrella.

• Ask someone how they’re really doing—and listen.

• Encourage their dreams with no strings attached

The key? Give freely. No hidden agendas. Just kindness, from one human to another.

---

📝 Try This: A Love Cup Ritual

If you’re not sure what fills your cup, try this exercise:

• Keep slips of paper and a pen in your pocket or bag

• Whenever something brings you joy, peace, or delight—write it down

• Place each note into a mug or cup that makes you smile

• At the end of the week, take 15 quiet minutes and read them back

• Notice what truly fills you—and what no longer resonates

This is a living practice. It may take time, but with each note, you’re learning to fill your cup in ways that are real, joyful, and uniquely yours.

---

We’re here to remind you:

You deserve a full love cup.

And the world is better when you share it.

Sending Lov & Light,

Chaitra & 👩🏽‍🍳Chef Lara™

360 Wellness Collective, Inc.