Energy

We all have those people in our lives that we describe as, "having lots of energy". They accomplish more in a day than an average person does in a week. They are on the go all of the time and never seem to stop. They appear to have, "an endless supply of energy". 

                                        

I have received some lovely comments about my energy level. People actually say, "they wished they had my energy". Thanks so much for that nice compliment, but I think I am deceiving. My energy level is like everything else I do, it comes in waves. It is solely dependent on what I have planned for the day. There are days I can barely make it to 2,000 steps roaming around in my 900 square foot condo. It is a rare, and I mean a rare occasion when I get 10,000 steps in a day. Not that I think "steps" are an indication of energy, but it does indicate movement. Then there are days when I am on high wave and look out. I never question whether I will have enough energy to do some demanding activities such as driving a long distance, or painting a room, I just know I have it within me. I tend to push myself, I know I have an energy reserve, to be tapped into when it is required. As I age, I notice I am using that reserve more.

I know people in retirement that are out the door every day to a commitment or an activity, like walking or some form of exercise. I hope I am not alone in this, but when I watch others doing things that I choose not to do, I think they must have lots of energy. Since November, I have squeaked out three new activities/week and that is enough for me. For the rest of the days my daily activity is; write, knit and bake something. 

There are a number of factors that can affect a person's energy level. For many it is their state of health. Living in pain or dealing with a chronic condition directly affects energy level. Something that affects my energy level is how interested I am in doing the task or activity. I can be struck with the lazy stick when it comes to doing things that I am not interested in, or don't want to do. The weather, is paramount with energy level. After what seems like weeks of fog and overcast skies, I find it makes me want to just sit around. Sleep has a huge effect on energy. There is nothing consistent about me, as my getting up time is anywhere from 4 to 8 am. I remember old people talking about getting up early and not being able to sleep. I thought why don't they just stay in bed, they will sleep. I am now that old person talking about not being able to sleep. I know I am not alone with getting up early or awake several times during the night. I realize, the demands on our bodies and mental mind are so much less as we age, therefore we require less restorative sleep. Being awake at night is a golden opportunity to "think" or "plan". 

          

I think energy goes hand in hand with enthusiasm. We all have energy when we are enthused by something. I never lack enthusiasm when it comes to something I want to do. I am brimming with enthusiastic creativity and energy to get at it. If I am passionate, look out, the energy level is off the scale.

An energy drink is something that has never crossed my lips. I feel it would not go well for me, and I would be awake for 2 days. I don't even know what is in them, but when you drink something that has the word "energy" in the title, there has to be something wild and crazy inside. I have to admit, I do depend on coffee to snap me into an alert state of mind in the morning. I love coffee! A shot of protein is also good to boost energy levels. Today, my recipe share is for Protein Balls. I like those little suckers when I am feeling tired. 

                        

I have had many discussions with retired people, and it warms my heart to know there are many people out there just like me. Embracing the slow life with only the demands that we put on ourselves. I never thought I would be one of those people, but I am. It took some work, but here I am. There are also the other people that are brimming with retirement energy, and they are checking off their bucket list items at an incredible pace. My favorite part of having energy is that I am not putting it into a workplace. That ship has sailed for me, and now I choose where to place my energy. I still have a bucket list, and when I decide to do something off that list I have nothing but endless energy and enthusiasm to make it happen. Accepting that we can't/don't do what we used to do is a good thing. Who wants to do what we used to do anyway? I think the following quotes describe my energy level on most days. Do enjoy them and I hope many of you will relate.  

         

Protein Balls

1 cup oatmeal

2/3 cup coconut

1/2 cup peanut butter

1/2 c ground flax seed

1/3 cup honey

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tsp vanilla

Chocolate chips

Roll in balls and chill