There was a time in my life when I thought I had all the energy in the world, I'm still a Youth anyways and physically strong but I'm also talking about my emotional and mental energy. I gave it away freely to people who hardly appreciated it, to ridiculously draining situations and to conflicts and burdens that were not even mine to carry in the first place. Being generous with my time, attention and care was what I thought defined a good virtuous person so I strived for that.
This is what most of us are taught while growing up. But, as time went on and the experience that age comes with hit me, I came to realize that energy, respect and love are precious things, and you cannot and should not give it to just anyone.
People usually overlook just how much they give away every day. A kind word and compliment here, the ability to listen there, small amounts of patience to someone really annoying and your attention, which is your time, which is your life. We give them away as if they're insignificant but they're what make up our time and life on earth.
It's little but after some time, they start adding up. I have learned the hard way, and I know most people have. When you're giving these things you don't see as precious as they really to people who don't deserve them, you will be taken for granted and at the same time lose pieces of yourself in the process.
Certain patterns began drawing my attention to this realization. It was never the case that someone is demanding my time without offering any in return, friends will only call when in need and situations that are draining my life are what I choose to be in, it just could not continue that way and I knew it.
They were warning signs, initially not so much of a big deal but then as I saw the pattern and cycle it was impossible to ignore. My energy is not an unlimited resource. My respect, my care, my loyalty, they are investments.
And like any investment, they do require thought, intention and boundaries, even risk mitigation. If you see your own energy as an investment you're be more selective and protective of it.
You learning to guard your energy doesn’t mean becoming a cold or selfish person. It is, in fact an act of self respect, self love and it tells the world you matter. You choose where to show up, who to trust and what to pour yourself into. Those who deserve your attention will value it, honor it and amplify it. The rest, please let them go.
I took a while to understand this concept, but now I see that giving away your energy for free is a big trap in your life. Like I said earlier, it left me drained and bitter. But when choose to invest your time and energy into into the nece, needful and right things, life just becomes more fulfilling and rewarding. Every single act of generosity and every ounce of attention should be consciously placed because what you give is part of yourself and who you are is too valuable to waste.
So these days, I am more careful with my emotions. In treat my energy like a precious ornament, and I do that without being full of myself. I am not throwing it away for free to anyone lacking appreciation. From this awareness, a great freedom flows, a freedom I wish I had known earlier. Honoring yourself enough to realize that your essence, your effort, your care, they are pure treasures is the most powerful thing you can do for your own self.
