I want to talk about how we choose to invest our energy. It is one of our most precious resources, finite but renewable. Although we have a limited supply at any given time, it is continuously replenished with proper care. We MUST give to ourselves as much as we do to our environments. We cannot pour from an empty cup.
Being human is a clumsy, beautiful process. It's a lot of bopping around in this world, trying to do right by ourselves and others. In my experience, this involves a balance between giving and taking, investing and pulling back. This balance will look different to each of us. Have you ever noticed that some investments energize, while others do nothing but drain us?
I'll share my life as an example. I used to work in the cafe of Muir Woods, which is a gorgeous national park. I loved the pine- scented air and lunch breaks beneath green giants. However, the 8 hour shifts felt endless. It was relatively mindless work, and involved repetitive interactions. I now work 12 hour shifts in a hospital that go by in the blink of an eye. I attribute this to the fact that I feel invigorated by what I do. Yes, 12 hours on my feet is exhausting. But I return home each night in good spirits (although very ready to eat); I wake up at 4:30 AM excited to workout before each shift. This was not the case when I worked in Muir Woods. I would come home cranky and depleted, dreading my return the next day.
All of this to say that some investments will give us a better return than others. My hospital job gives to me as much as I to it: in education, clinical experience, and deep human connection. In order to reap these benefits, however, I have to hold up my end of the bargain. I must invest my focus, time, and compassion. I must give of myself to my patients. Herein lies the energy exchange. Over the course of each work day, I offer my entire reserve and receive joy in return. I am emptied of my own supply and refilled by those around me.
This is why I believe that it is important to let go of what drains us. It is not weak, it is smart. Just as we cannot go on depleting the finite resources of this planet, we cannot do so to ourselves. Fulfillment begets motivation. We will be more inspired to do and give and move and shake if our energy supply stays high.
I also understand that some challenges in our life will be both necessary and draining. When this happens, I recommend exceptional self- care. Some things I engage in...
~ outdoor activities of all kinds
~ writing my thoughts down
~ singing (shower acoustics are GOLD)
~ peanut butter straight from the jar (this one may be specific to me ;) )
Find what fulfills you. Integrate it into your life. In fact, make it part of the fabric. We contribute best to this world when in a place of abundance- let's stay there as much as we can.
