"Energy: The Most Valuable and Overused Currency"

Energy is the most readily available, valuable, and overused currency we possess. We all have it, yet if we’re not careful, concepts, things, and ideas will take more of it than we’re willing to give—often in the blink of an eye.
Everything needs energy to thrive, including our thoughts and feelings. When we stop feeding energy into certain thoughts, they fizzle out and eventually fade away. This is why so many external forces seem to snatch our energy before we can even offer it up.
The problem? When we allow this to happen, we lose the mental capacity to focus energy on the things we truly want. Our dreams, passions, and goals are left to compete for space in a mind overcrowded with distractions. Without intentional focus, we can’t create the room necessary for those desires to manifest in our world.
We see this everywhere:

• Employers encourage employees to dedicate excessive time and energy to the establishment’s success.
• Athletes feel invisible pressure to meet impossible standards.
• Individuals are pushed to give more, achieve more, and be more, leaving little room for themselves.

​The result? Burnout, unfulfilled dreams, and a life that feels like it’s being lived for someone or something else.

The quickest way to be dejected from a group or to kill something is to stop giving it the energy it needs to thrive—become neutral or disinterested, either silently or verbally. We see it all the time in relationships, friendships, communities, networks, businesses, and even on the news. While we’d like to attribute every downfall to money, the truth is that money loss often follows a loss of energy toward a particular idea, thing, or person.
As someone who brings desirable energy to the table, I often encounter people who aren’t necessarily invested in me but are highly interested in the energy I provide. How many times have you asked yourself, “They don’t even like me; why do they keep calling?” or “They only call when they’re in trouble or need to vent.” It’s all about the energy, baby.
You’ll even come across people who try to hand off their negative energy or diminish yours. Stop feeding the monster, and it will find someone else to prey on.

"Where Is Your Energy Going?"
While we often think of energy drainers as people, sometimes the real culprits are things we voluntarily participate in. These include worldly news and politics, rigid religious beliefs or traditions, and persistent thoughts about dissatisfaction in our lives—where we live, where we work, our neighbors, and so on.
Unlike individuals, who may drain your energy and move on, these ongoing influences can stay plugged into your mind, leaving little room for more beneficial thoughts to take root. Yes, even thoughts are energy. That’s why the phrase “let it go” holds real value.
Similarly, the idea of a “simple life” often applies more to our mental state than our physical surroundings. A simple life means not allowing too many things to occupy space in our minds, thereby conserving energy for what truly matters.
It’s also crucial not to attach negativity to the things we desire. If you want a better job, a different home, or a fulfilling relationship, there’s no need to bash what you currently have—or don’t have. Instead, assert what you want with clarity, then detach and dissolve any negative feelings about its absence.

"How to Maintain and Protect Your Energy"
The answer lies in awareness, intentionality, and boundaries. Here’s how:

1. Awareness: Learn to recognize when something is draining you and begin to disconnect from it. This could include news, certain TV shows, music, or even constant complaining.
2. Prioritize Your Interests: Focus your energy on the things that truly matter to you, but avoid becoming hyper-focused on any one thing.
3. Resist Unaligned Engagement: Stay away from activities or ideas that captivate your attention but don’t align with your goals or bring you joy.
4. Create Boundaries: Don’t isolate yourself, but be selective about engaging with people who bring negative energy, fail to reciprocate positivity, or make you feel guilty.
5. Neutralize Yourself: While you can’t control what others say or do, you can control your response. Choose how much emotion and energy you give to any situation.
6. Detach from Negativity: When striving for something you want, avoid attaching negative emotions to it. Focus on your desires without bashing what you currently have.

"Spend It Wisely"
The next time you’re faced with an opportunity to spend your energy, weigh the pros and cons. Ask yourself: Is this worth taking energy away from the things I truly want in life?
Remember, your energy is one of the most valuable currencies you have. Spend it intentionally.
Stay well,
Frankie Reed-Shaw