You know those moments that knock you off balance?
Perhaps a conversation takes an unexpected left turn, or you receive disappointing news? Maybe a meeting doesn’t go to plan, or you discover a mistake that you’re not sure how to fix? Or a worry or challenge you thought was sorted reappears in a new way?
We can’t avoid them - they happen to all of us and are part of the natural ups and downs of life - but we can understand what helps us come back to centre when they do. It helps to be prepared!
It’s been a big September in our house; we are officially an empty nest! Our youngest has just started university while our eldest is spending their 3rd year studying even further away in Canada.
It’s brilliant, all is well, everyone is settled - and yet… I’m feeling the need for some personal TLC and recovery.
So, I’ve been treating myself to more time in energy restoration mode.
There’s a particular feeling when our energy is being used in the best kind of way.
We know that we’re playing to our natural strengths and having a positive impact on the people and the world around us. There’s an ease, a joy, a sense of being on purpose. At the end of the day we feel emptied out in a good way, full up of the knowing that we’ve shown up at our best.
It’s hard to focus when we’re constantly being interrupted.
Notifications, messages, calls, meeting invitations, people popping in for a chat and not realising we’re listening to or working on something.
It’s frustrating - we never get a chance to get into what we need to or want to.
If only there was a way that we could get some quiet focus time…
Oh wait. There are lots of ways!
One of the simplest ways to have a more successful day is to start with something that gives you energy.
A workout before you start work. Some fresh air before you settle at your desk. Doing the thing you’re most looking forward to first, rather than saving it for last.
Fuelling our energy first really works.
Last week I spent a chunk of time back in Yorkshire on retreat.
The same venue, another brilliant group of women, another transformative experience to absorb and reflect on.
Usually I drive straight home afterwards, using the 5-hour drive to decompress before returning to my everyday life. This time I pit stopped with a friend for a night.
What a gift!
My New Year energy is a late bloomer.
It’s still in hibernation mode at the moment and generally seems to lie in wait until February, sparking to life as January comes to an end and the days start to get lighter and brighter.
It’s perhaps because we have a busy festive season followed by a number of birthdays just after. Or years of following the rhythm of the school year - waving kids off after the half term break and appreciating the lighter mornings. Or maybe I’m simply more solar powered than I realise!
Whatever the reason, it means that January is rarely a time to set big new goals or tackle big energy moves.
So, what do I do in the meantime?
I love to read, and always have done.
For me, it’s a beautiful way of opening my mind and expanding my horizons, of entertaining and educating my brain. It’s also one of my favourite ways to rest and recharge.
I set myself up in a comfy place with a hot drink and a brilliant book like this one, and immerse. I read slowly - digesting each part and really savouring it, even when I’m longing to race ahead!
When it’s time to stop I feel calm and restored, and fresh ideas pop into my head. It’s like plugging into a creatively energising power source.
Except when it isn’t.
This was me in Brighton last week.
I had 2 wonderful nights by the sea, coaching as usual from a different place. Plus leisurely breakfasts, walks along the seafront, yoga, reading, baths and quiet evenings.
Quality time in my own space, with the freedom to follow my energy and empty out - and the added bonus of being a little cooler than London temperatures.
A complete gift.
