As I get older, I have noticed that I am becoming more discerning with how I invest my energy and who I spend my time with.

I don’t know about you but when I am around the vibe given off by pessimistic, complaining and negative people it starts to have a real impact on my energy levels. My body starts to feel heavy, I feel tired and drained.

Don’t get me wrong, I know that we all have challenges and problems from time to time and life is not always a bed of roses. It is not always easy to remain upbeat in the face of difficulty and adversity. I am one of the first in line to offer a sympathetic ear or support and help to friends and family with genuine challenges and problems to solve.

What I am referring to above is a particular breed of human beings. You have probably come across these people yourself. They believe that “every silver lining has a cloud.” They refer constantly to their problems and do not consider looking for solutions. Quite often they have much to be thankful and grateful for but they do not recognise this. They choose to think about what they lack rather than the abundance and riches they do have.

I am sure that you know the type of people that I am referring to. When you ask them how they are, they hunch their shoulders and say something like “fair to grim”. They then launch into a detailed account of their troubles and difficulties. I refer to them as “drains or energy vampires” because they suck the life out of you with their negativity and stories of how life is unfair! More frequently, I am choosing to give them a wide berth.

Conversely, I have noticed that when I am around positive people (those that give off a positive vibe) with a “can do” attitude and solutions orientated approach, I feel lighter, energised and happier. I refer to these people as “radiators” as they are full of warmth, radiance and brightness. They have zest, vitality and they make the most of the hand that life deals them. When you ask them how they are, they look you in the eye, they smile and say something positive and uplifting. They have a sense of gratitude and appreciation for what they have in life.

This week why not take a piece of paper, draw a line down the middle and title the left hand column positive and the right hand column negative.

Then think about the people that you interact with and ask yourself these two questions:

  • Who gives me energy?
  • Who drains my energy?

Make a note of your responses under the relevant columns and review the findings.

If you wish to, you can widen this exercise to also think about the activities that you are involved in and ask yourself, what activities increase or drain my energy?

What do you notice? Who/what are you giving your energy, time and attention to? Are there any changes you would like to make as a result of doing this exercise?

Quote for the week:

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” Winston Churchill.

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