Building on your journey of body awareness, this week we’re working on a simple but powerful phrase. “I need to check my energy first.” This isn’t just a response – it’s a boundary setting tool, that honours your body’s wisdom.
Why This Phrase Matters
How often have you:
- Said yes immediately, then regretted it?
- Committed despite feeling drained?
- Overridden your body’s signals?
- Ignored your energy levels?
- Put others’ needs first?
This phrase creates the pause you need to make conscious choices.
This Week’s Challenge
Use this phrase whenever someone requests your time, energy, or commitment. It might feel uncomfortable at first – that’s normal. Start with small requests and build from there.
When to Use It
Social Requests:
- Event invitations
- Last-minute plans
- Extended visits
- Group activities
- Social commitments
Work Situations:
- Additional projects
- Deadline changes
- Extra responsibilities
- Meeting requests
- Overtime asks
Personal Life:
- Family demands
- Friend requests
- Volunteer asks
- Favour seeking
- Support requests
Making It Work
- Practice the Phrase
- “I need to check my energy first”
- “Let me check my capacity for this”
- “I’ll need to review my energy levels”
- “Let me check in with myself”
- “I’ll need to see how this fits”
- Create Response Space
- Take real time to check
- Trust your body’s signals
- Review your energy logs
- Consider recovery needs
- Honour your limits
- Handle Reactions
- Stay firm but kind
- No explanations needed
- Keep responses simple
- Trust your process
- Hold your boundary
Common Challenges and Solutions
- Challenge: “It feels rude” Solution: Remember: clear boundaries are kind
- Challenge: “People get pushy” Solution: Their pressure isn’t your problem
- Challenge: “I feel guilty” Solution: Your energy needs are valid
Signs of Progress
Watch for:
- Easier use of the phrase
- Less automatic yeses
- Better energy management
- Reduced overwhelm
- Stronger boundaries
- More self-trust
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about saying no – it’s about creating space to make choices that honour your wellbeing.
Your Daily Practice
- Use the phrase once daily
- Actually check your energy
- Make conscious choices
- Notice any resistance
- Celebrate small wins
- Trust your wisdom
Implementation Tips
- Start Small
- Begin with safe people
- Practice minor requests
- Build gradually
- Notice outcomes
- Trust the process
- Notice Patterns
- When is it hardest to pause?
- Who pressures you most?
- Where do you need stronger boundaries?
- What helps you stay firm?
- How does it affect your energy?
Moving Forward
Remember: “I need to check my energy first” isn’t a rejection – it’s a commitment to conscious choice-making.