I love fountains. They soothe me. I have one in my office, one in the living room, and one outside beside the deck. They run 24/7.
However, if I didn’t add water daily to the ones inside and monitor the water level on the one outside, they would not function as they should. First, I might notice less of a bubbly sound. Then I might notice a raspy sound of the pump. If I didn’t add water, the pump will stop working and my fountain would no longer be functional.
Every so often, depending on the fountain, the fountain needs a good cleaning. I need to disconnect it, take it apart, and clean everything – container, rocks, hoses, and the pump.
The pump is the heart of the fountain. It will be the first thing to show signs of debris build up. The water will stop flowing smoothly. The fountain will start making a noise. Paying attention to these signs and dealing with them as soon as you notice them are key to keeping your fountain running smoothly.
Fountains need a power source to keep working. Usually, they are plugged in to an electric outlet. If the plug comes out of the socket or the electricity goes out, the fountain stops working.
I am like my fountains.
I need daily routines and care.
I need times where I am completely shut down and cared for.
I need a power source.
If I am going to continue to be a support to others, I need to take care of myself. If I neglect my daily care and regular maintenance, I will stop functioning.
Take at least as much care and maintenance for yourself as you do things that serve you.
If you want help setting up a maintenance system or just some accountability in working your organizational plan join Diane Quintana and me on our Clear Space For You clutter support group.
Jonda S. Beattie, Professional Organizer owner of Time Space Organization, and co-owner of Release, Repurpose, Reorganize. She is based in the Metro-Atlanta area. As presenter, award-winning author, as well as a retired special education teacher she uses her listening skills, problem solving skills, knowledge of different learning techniques, ADHD specialty, and paper management skills to help clients tackle the toughest organizational issues. Jonda does hands on organizing and virtual organizing. For more of Jonda’s tips connect with her on Facebook.
What a lovely Zen metaphor for self-care. We each, like your fountain, will struggle if we are not properly maintained and cared for. Especially after these last two years, this reminder can't come often enough.
Your fountains provide a beautiful metaphor for how we need to take care of ourselves. Because if we don't, the pumps will stop working and the well will be dry. I had no idea how much maintenance was needed for fountains. I love the watery sounds, but I don't think I'd enjoy having to spend time maintaining them.
I love fountains too! I have two inside and one outside. =) I too am like a fountain. Thank you for comparing humans to a fountain, I haven't thought of it that way. I also find that when I clean out the fountain and take care of myself, it adds joy to my life because it allows me to take care of what needs getting done resulting in satisfaction of completion.
Great reminder, especially as I've been facing some health challenges lately. Self-care is SO important!
This is so true everything, I do mean everything, needs maintenance or it will not work. If you don't take care of yourself then you will eventually burn out - just like the pump in Jonda's fountain.