Reader,

It’s the middle of February and I’m just now sitting down to reflect on 2024. If you’re in the same boat, or it hasn't crossed your mind yet, know this—late is always better than never. Life is chaotic and days pass by quickly, and sometimes we don’t get around to reflecting or setting goals exactly when we planned. But what matters is that we do it, whenever that may be. Sure, doing it a month ago would have been ideal, but since I haven't done it yet, the next best time is now.

Anywho.

As I started journaling about the past year and thinking ahead to 2025, I came across a question that was so simple, yet so helpful at the same time: What drained my energy last year?

I made a list.

Some things were obvious, like not getting enough sleep or saying “yes” to too many things when I really wanted to say “no.” And drinking and hangovers. Nooooope.

Others surprised me—little habits, patterns, or even people that, when I really looked at it, were just not it. For example, I really love eating out. At first, that seems like an energy-giver. Yet when I journaled through it, I found that eating out often was taking energy from me. It didn't make me feel my best, I spent more money than I wanted to, and I often did it because other people wanted to and I didn't want to say no or do something else.

When I looked at it all on paper, it seemed so obvious that by changing or updating or removing the energy suckers, I would have more time for the energy givers and all of the things and people and practices and activities that make me feel my best.

This question — what drained my energy? — is so helpful because it gives you space to notice what’s actually holding you back, or what's in the way from all the things you want or should be doing.

When you know what’s draining you, you have the power to change it.

To put it into practice, I identified areas for improvement and things I could swap them with:

• Less mindless scrolling, more creating, journaling, or reading.
• Less eating out, more planning ahead, more saying no, more intentionality with meals out that I'm actually excited for.
• Less comparison, more of a focus on myself, and my own journey and growth.
• Less alcohol (not that I was even drinking very much, but still, less), more mocktails, sparkling waters, etc.

See?! You don't need to constantly add more to your plate. You can identify what isn't working, what's draining you, and you can change it.

Now it’s your turn. Take five minutes today and ask yourself: What drained my energy last year? Write it down. See what comes up. And then ask yourself, What do I want to replace this with?

One small shift at a time, you’ll start to feel more like the person you want to be. And over the course of the year, you could make some serious change in the direction that's aligned with your best, healthiest, happiest, self.

Hit reply and tell me one thing that’s been draining your energy. I’d love to hear what you’re swapping it for!

See you next week,

💕 Morgan