Energy

One of the places in life where we lose a great deal of energy is in explaining or assuring people of our intentions, plans or changes we are trying to accomplish in our lives. Now, part of maintaining a relationship is including others in our process but, for many people, they go to far.

It is easy to fall into the trap of spending energy on providing assurances and explanations to people who have no capacity to support us or help us in achieving our goals. The question we forget to ask is, "Will this person help me? Can they help me?" Instead, a kind of guilt/shame comes into play and we feel like we have to justify our efforts. 

Not everyone needs an explanation. Not everyone in your life is capable of offering you support and help. Learning which people in your life need this kind of energy from you will help prevent you from becoming drained or open yourself up to comments and criticism from people for whom your life is a spectator sport. 

Take the time to identify who in your life is as interested in you doing well that they are willing to give of their energy too. Then, consider whether or not you are equally willing to spend time being supportive of them as well.