Ever notice that doing “the work” doesn’t magically make life feel perfect? It’s not a one-way ticket to constant peace and empowerment - it’s about awareness. Awareness of your emotions, your body, and your energy. And with awareness comes choice.
This past week, I’ve been feeling... off. Low energy, negative thoughts creeping in - you know the drill. And in one of those "thank goodness for my morning routine" moments, I turned to my guides for insight and pulled a card to reflect on their guidance.
The card, Boundary Stones.
In a way only they can, they reminded me of something I teach my clients all the time: boundaries and energetic space. Funny how those lessons come back when you need them most.
Your Mood is Your Responsibility
Your energetic space is the invisible boundary that protects your inner world - your thoughts, emotions, and sense of self. When you maintain that space, you feel grounded and resourceful. When you don’t, things start to feel off. And that’s where I found myself this past week.
As a client of mine, no matter the focus of your coaching, you will learn about boundaries and your energetic space. You’ll learn that the health of your energetic space is your responsibility.We’ll talk about your foundation, your intuitive connection, how to best hold yourself whole and resourceful. And how to best hold others whole and resourceful.
We’ll talk about your personal sovereignty, the supreme authority you have over yourself. And that others have over themselves. We’ll talk about the language you use and how, when used intentionally, is a path for your truth.
This work that I do with clients, we come back to it throughout their engagement. It serves as a heartbeat for “the work.” So, where I have found myself lately, it’s a sign that my energetic space has slipped. I haven’t maintained the health of that space. With the card this morning, I got the reminder and nudge I needed. And now, it’s up to me to clean and clear it up. Again, “the work” allows for you to be aware and make choices.
With that, I’ll review the protocol that I use and share with clients. A protocol that allows for me to clean and clear, raising the frequency of my space.
As I began to consider that, something came to mind. It’s a super powerful reflection that you can use throughout your day.
Reflection Exercise: Yes & No
All day, you make choices. To not make a choice is a choice. To do something, to not do something, both are choices. Every choice you make is a trade-off. By saying yes to one thing, you’re saying no to something else. And vice versa.
Throughout your day, pause and ask:
"By saying yes to this, what am I saying no to?"
"By saying no to this, what am I saying yes to?"
This simple practice brings clarity to how you’re spending your energy and whether your choices align with your values.
The more alignment, the better chance that you are maintaining healthy space. The more misalignment, well, you know.
Reflection Exercise Examples
Here's an easy basic example. Let’s say that I exercise most mornings, six days per week routinely. I know that by saying yes to my exercise, I’m saying no to sleeping in later. I’m saying no to logging on to work earlier. In this reflection, I confirm that that my yes to exercise aligns with my values and desires.
Another example. I say no to coffee with a friend because I have so much to get done. I know that by saying no, I can get more work done. But, I also know that by saying no, I’m not allowing myself to connect with someone I love during a time that I could really use it. In this reflection, I see that my no isn't quite in line with my values and desires, not this time.
You can see that these two basic examples will vary greatly among different people, depending on their values and desires. Perhaps someone is taking an intentional break from exercise to heal an injury, their yes and no reflection will be different. Perhaps someone says no to the coffee because they say yes too much and it’s hurting their productivity. Again, their yes and reflection will be different.
You’ve Got This
Doing “the work” doesn’t mean avoiding negative emotions or hard days. It means being aware enough to make choices that support your well-being.
So today, practice awareness. Ask yourself the yes/no questions, and notice where your energy goes. The more aligned your choices are, the more your career and life will feel like they’re in flow.
You’ve got this. And if you ever need a guide along the way - I’m here.
With care,
Angela
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Angela McKay, ACC, SHRM-SCP is a Career Intuitive, Certified Vocation Coach, Former HR Executive, and Degreed Communication Expert. She is the author of “Daily Tarot Journal: using your Tarot and Oracle cards to open your perspective and intuition.”
Angela believes that when you open your mind to the wisdom of your soul, amazing transformation occurs. Your intuition and purpose are the practical keys to creating your very own career satisfaction.
In addition, she is a Certified Mind Rebel Coach and Certified Biddy Tarot Advisor. Her unique combination of skills allow for you to lean into her intuition until you strengthen and trust yours, a perfect partnership.