Selectively Juggling

What things give me energy? Funnily enough, the jetpack notice for this writing prompt flashed across my iPhone while I was sweaty, and knee deep in early Sunday morning gardening. I smiled as I read it, and thought to myself “Ok, don’t forget to respond to the prompt” . I put my phone down, put my thick gardening gloves back on and threw myself into two more hours of hard-core gardening. I swear every moment I turn around I have passionate vines sprouting up and entangling themselves everywhere. Getting stuck into a job, setting goals and achieving something that is not only pragmatic and tangible, but is also aesthetically beautiful is energising. Especially, when out under the early morning sunshine, when the household is still asleep. Being able to spend time on my own is powerfully energising.

What gives me energy? As an introvert, first and foremost I need a healthy balance of me time, and preferably in nature, away from incessant noise and man-made distractions. Taking time out to feel the sun on my skin, the sounds of quiet birdsong and nature fill my ears, absolutely helps recharge my physical, mental, emotional energy reserves. Being able to drink in the sights and sounds of nature, in an unhurried way is absolutely golden. I wish I could bottle the energy it provides me with.

Ensuring I have healthy work/life balance and boundaries helps to recharge my energy levels. Maintaining good working relationships helps to extend my energy levels at work. This is important as my work makes significant demands on my emotional and mental energy, and I have no time, desire or energy to spend on dealing with toxic people, or toxic work relationships. I just want work to be a harmonious and genuinely authentic space – no games, no egos and no politics. Sadly, that is not always the case.

Spending time in and around water replenishes my energy reserves. I could literally spend hours in the water, feeling it envelop my skin, watching as the air bubbles capture the brilliance of light as they cascade their way to the surface. This not only fills me with energy, but incredible joy and calm. I can’t wait to get back into the pool, it truly is like a gigantic source of energy.

Music gives me energy. Singing gives me energy. Dancing gives me energy. The three combined, especially when I am being silly with my daughter are absolutely energy giving. They are a gift that keep on giving. Being silly and irreverent is also energy giving.

Being aware of my strengths, abilities and gifts is important, as is being aware of my areas of challenge, weaknesses and/or difficulties. Being mindful of myself, and having reasonable expectations of both myself and others is crucial to trying to create, and/or maintain my energy levels.

Being with family and friends can be a great source of energy. This is even more so when the friends are similar to me – quiet, creative, sensitive introverted types, who are a little neurospicy. Being with colleagues who are also creative, and able to imagine and conceive ideas is extremely powerful. I thrive during times of workshopping, or brainstorming, especially when others are on the same (or higher) level of energy, excitement, passion, intelligence and understanding as me. This is when I am in my element. It can be quite potent, actually. It’s like a self-combustion engine – when the brain and mind are heavily engaged it pumps out more energy. However, I will need some much needed down time afterwards.

I love early mornings, as the sun starts to inch its way across the sky. I love the night sky, the moon and stars, and feel energised as I stand bathed it their glow. Early mornings and late evenings fill me with energy and joy. It is a calm and grounded energy, much like plugging a phone into the charger, and watching as the phone becomes stronger and more capable due to its burgeoning battery levels.

There are so many different ways that I recharge my energy levels. I am very mindful of energy, and emotional/physical stamina. I work and rest hard – strive for balance and boundaries. I know myself and listen to my mind and body for signs that my energy levels are becoming depleted. I think I better stop here, or I’m going to end up writing a book on energy.

Oh and finally, If I was able to have a dog, I know I would receive incredible love and energy from them. (Sadly my husband is allergic to dog hair)