Protecting Your Energy: Nurturing Yourself for Success.

In our Growth Lab mastermind event yesterday we talked about the importance of protecting our energy, a delicate dance at the best of times and, especially challenging when the there are events going on in the world that are outside of our control. 

Together we explored strategies for safeguarding our precious energy without shutting down our feelings, or shutting off the world. 

The world needs you well my friend. Your family, your business, your community... we need you well. Here is some of the shared and collective wisdom from our discussion on how to nurture yourself and protect your precious energy. 

Feeling Your Feelings: Embrace and Release

In this fast-paced world where productivity is prized above all else, it's easy to dismiss our feelings as distractions or signs of weakness. But here's a revolutionary idea: what if we allowed ourselves to feel? Acknowledging and honouring your emotions is not only healthy but essential for protecting your energy and well being. By allowing yourself to experience the full spectrum of emotions – joy, anger, sadness – you create space for healing and growth. I call it walking through the fire. It's painful but you must in order to come through the other side. 

However, it's important not to get stuck in these emotions or let them consume you. Give yourself permission to feel, but also practice letting go. Remember that emotions are transient; they come and go like waves crashing on the shore. By embracing your feelings and then releasing them with grace and self-compassion, you'll prevent them from draining your precious energy reserves.

If you bottle them up or burry them down, they will sink you. 

Authenticity: The Power of Being Real

In this age of social media filters and carefully curated personas, it can be tempting to wear masks and hide behind facades. To feel pressure to be, say or do something that doesn't feel aligned. Or, to not share your feelings of joy and celebration when so many other people are hurting and suffering. 

It is easy to overthink what you should or shouldn't be doing, what is "right" or "wrong" in the eyes of other people. It can be really hard to sort through how you are feeling and reflect on what you are able and willing to do with those emotions. 

But let me ask you this – how much energy does it take to pretend or to worry what other people are thinking?  The answer: too much! Protect your energy and your well being by showing up authentically - by listening to what you need and sharing what feels right and aligned with your values.  Sometimes that might be stepping back or away instead of leaning in or speaking out. 

When you align your words and actions with your core values and beliefs, you create a powerful energy field that attracts good and repels negativity. 

Remember, authenticity is not only liberating for yourself but also inspiring to those around you. 

Filling Your Cup: Prioritize Self-Care

The world needs you well. You cannot be of service to anyone if you've got not the energy. The world needs you to be you. As women who constantly give to others, it's crucial to prioritize your wellness as a non-negotiable part of protecting our energy. This will look different for everyone, so find what nourishes your mind, body, and soul and build that into your routine. Especially when you're busy or events of the world are heavy. 

Remember, you cannot rise or help others, if you do not have enough energy reserve. It's the least selfish thing you can do. By nurturing yourself first, you'll have more energy to pour into all areas of your life.

Rest: Quality over Quantity

We often fall into the trap of believing that more work equals more success. But here's a secret: not all rest is created equal! It's not about the number of hours you spend resting; it's about the quality of rest you allow yourself to experience. It's about resting in a way that is restful to you. Maybe that is a bubble bath, maybe it is a hike, maybe it is watching Tom Cruise in Mission Impossible.  

Rest deserves a reframe! Instead of asking, "Have I worked enough to deserve rest?", shift your perspective and ask, "Have I rested enough to be my best self, to be productive, to help those in need?" Rest is an investment in your energy bank – it rejuvenates your mind, enhances focus, and renews creativity. 

Curating Your Energy Environment: Choose Wisely

Just as we protect our physical environment from toxins and pollutants, we must also curate our energy environment. Surrounding ourselves with positive influences and minimizing exposure to negativity can significantly impact our energy levels.

Here are some tips shared by the group for curating a positive energy environment:

• Choose Your Inner Circle: Surround yourself with supportive friends, mentors, and colleagues who uplift and inspire you.
• Limit Media Consumption: Be mindful of the information you consume. Set boundaries around news consumption and social media usage to avoid being overwhelmed by external events.
• Practice Gratitude: Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by focusing on the positive aspects of your life. Gratitude shifts your energy from lack to abundance.

By feeling your feelings, embracing authenticity, prioritizing self-care, valuing quality rest, and curating a positive energy environment, you're equipping yourself with powerful tools to protect your energy. 

How do you protect your energy in today's fast-paced world? Share your thoughts and strategies in the comments below! Let's inspire each other to thrive!