Energy Vampires v Cheer Squads

I had a few visits from energy vampires this week. You know the ones – those people in your life who have the uncanny ability to suck the energy out of you with their words or actions. Recognising their impact is a first step, but going from that to taking away the impact of their energy drain is a step I often struggle with!

Since I cannot just avoid these people, I decided to balance their energy with the positive energy that I feel when members of my Cheer Squad are around. These are people who believe in our dreams unconditionally, the ones who always manage to inspire us and remind us why we are on this path, the ones with whom a single conversation can send us soaring with ideas again.

I am so incredibly lucky to have some amazing people in my life who inspire me so after some bumpy moments with energy vampires, I managed to rediscover my confidence and try again.

Identifying the energy vampires in our lives and working out strategies to minimise their impact (which may include avoiding them if possible) is important. But even more so is identifying the members of our Cheer Squads – there will be different members you turn to at different times: some for a cuddle or a cup of tea, some for a “bitch session” to let you get it out of your system (although not too much before encouraging you to move on!), some for a debate on the issue and others for offering advice. Each is important and knowing who in your Cheer Squad will help replenish your energy and confidence when you need it will make it easier when those energy vampires come visiting.

However, as one of my Cheer Squad reminded me this week, sometimes it us who needs to change our perspective of these energy vampires and view them with compassion. What are they facing in their lives which is making them in need of energy? Or are they trying to teach us a lesson we need to learn . . . patience, perhaps? Changing the lens through which we view them can limit their ability to drain our energy.

Always remember to share your gratitude with your Cheer Squad too and be there when they need you to return the favour. And don’t turn into an energy vampire yourself for members of your Cheer Squad!

Thanks so much to my amazing Cheer Squad for helping me to replenish my energy this week. You are all wonderful and I am so lucky to have you in my life.

 

Don't you sometimes wish life was a bit less complicated? Take a happiness pill!

We were snuggled up in front of the TV, not watching but lost in our own thoughts, neither of us able to sleep. Nimu, my daughter, looked up at me and asked, “Don’t you sometimes wish our lives were a bit less complicated?” “Oh yes, for sure” I shot back with a grin! Then I reflected – life was definitely complicated and stressful at the moment with a lot of lessons to be learned, but at the same time those same complications were also the source of so much joy, inspiration and motivation, so I wouldn’t give them up without a fight. “Well, I could definitely use a few less challenges but overall I am incredibly grateful for my life and all the amazing opportunities I have been given,” I clarified. Nimu cuddled me closer, “You really are insane! But don’t worry, I still love you!”

My brother, Simon, asked me recently how I could look so happy given everything that’s been going on. My answer – I love what I am doing, I am in my flow. Happiness is not a switch you can turn on and off – I firmly believe it is a state of mind that we choose to adopt. I choose to feel happy and grateful for the amazing things in my life, despite the speed bumps along the journey.

 

And there are ways to reduce the impact of the complications and stresses too. A cuddle from my daughter is definitely one which always works. I recently had the privilege of another experience which gave me a wonderful warm fuzzy feeling for days. When I was in Sydney last month, I caught up with my good friend, Libby Hathorn. She has recently compiled (with her daughter-in-law, Rachel Bailey) and published a new anthology of poems written by women from all walks of life called “Women’s Work”. Knowing I had been sick and stressed, Libby read me a poem from the anthology called “Sorrow of the Women" by Kathryn Lomer. It was almost like magic. I could feel it washing over me like the ocean’s waves while lying on the sand on the beach, basking in the warm sun. I could feel the tension flow right out of me as my shoulders relaxed, my breath slowed. It’s funny how you don’t notice how tense you are until you relax! Her soothing voice lulling me as I got lost in the gorgeous flow of words, wrapping me in a positive energy like a soft blanket around my shoulders. I didn’t want it to end. Who needs a massage or other kind of therapy! If ever you’re lucky enough to have Libby read you a poem, you’re in for a real treat. 

 

Thank you, Libby, for giving me a happy pill!

 

What is your happy pill that gives you a boost when life feels a bit complicated?