The arc where you move out of chaos and into calm clarity.
This is the chapter you turn to when you’re feeling stretched, overworked, or burnt out. It’s where we catch our breath, get grounded, and feel a little more human again.
We don’t wake up and decide to let the demands of work and life take over. It happens subtly over time, influenced by a multitude of factors including certain unifying ones, such as cultural and societal norms that encourage and reward energy expended, but quietly sidestep energy replenished or preserved.
Reclamation of energy is subtle, too — and that’s what these posts will help navigate. Here we blend introspective and practical approaches to stepping back into the driver’s seat of our daily lives by examining boundaries, work-life balance, and sustainable strategies for rest and self-care.
This isn’t about productivity or huge life upheavals (although occasionally these may be happy byproducts). It’s a gentler approach to bloom where we’re planted.
And bloom, we will! In the story of creative reclamation, taking our energy back is frequently the first step (but one that is revisited often). It’s from here that we have a little more energy to spend, either reconnecting with ourselves to listen for that creative voice, or to jump right in and start prioritizing creativity in our lives.
Of course, these posts were written from my own experiences and what I learned over 13 years as a public accountant balancing creativity, family, and a demanding day job. That’s about how long it took to find what worked for me, and although not everything will resonate with you, I hope you’ll find some inspiration to navigate your own path to balance.
So, what’s calling loudest?
For when you’re feeling stressed and need some perspective:
Is Stress Directing Your Life? How to Reclaim Calm Clarity
We start with a re-frame of stress as information, and move into a game plan to step back into calm clarity.
Preparation Over Prevention: The Mindset Shift That Made the Difference
An empowering take on stress and burnout that will help you change how you navigate the chaos.
A Deep(er) Dive into Authenticity in the Workplace
Sometimes stress comes from feeling the need to perform or “be on” all the time, and an intentional move toward authenticity can make a world of difference.
For when you’re craving balance:
The Quick Guide to Work-Life Balance: Simple Steps to Make Space for What Matters
A quick read — five (mostly) practical steps to take toward a work-life balance that feels intentional and authentic.
Work-Life Balance: How to Find What Really Works for You
My take on how work-life balance really works, and the three key pillars that help you get there.
Create a Work-Life Balance Unique to You (6 Introspective Steps)
A deeper, more introspective approach to create work-life balance that honours your uniqueness.
For practical ideas to rest and recharge:
The 5-Minute Reset: A Simple Routine to Declutter Your Mind and Refocus Your Day
A quick, bullet journal-inspired routine I use to get grounded, declutter my mind, and move into my day with more clarity. Perfect first thing in the morning, transitioning between activities, or any time you need a reset.
Want to try my version? Grab this printable: 5 Minute Reset (You’ll also join our awesome monthly newsletter with creative reflections, journal prompts, and updates! Of course, unsubscribe any time.)
The Creative’s Guide to Rest: 7 Ways to Restore Your Energy
Looking at the 7 Types of Rest through a creative lens.
The Busy Professional’s Guide to Creative Self-Care
The premise of this blog? Creativity is an amazing form of self-care. This post is for busy humans looking for little ways to add creativity to their day or week.
For when you’re navigating a busy season:
The Busy Season Survival Guide
Stay resilient and creative, even in your busiest seasons.
Busy seasons are finite periods of intense work demands (that is, they have a beginning and an end). This guide was written to walk through all stages, from preparation to recovery — rooted in my experience navigating tax seasons as a public accountant.
Start with the link above, or meet yourself where you’re at:
- Part 1: Breaking Down Burnout – understand what burnout is, why it happens, and how to spot it.
- Part 2: Practical Preparation – get ahead of your upcoming “busy season” to set yourself up for success.
- Part 3: Manageable Mayhem – navigate the chaos while you’re in it by working effectively and making it manageable.
- Part 4: Sustainable Self-Care – explore routines and mindsets that are affirming and supportive, but do-able during a busy season.
- Part 5: Rest and Recovery – “ride the wave” and recover quickly from wipe-outs when you have to keep swimming.
Ready to turn the page?
Remember, there’s no right starting point, and reclaiming your energy isn’t a one-time event. It’s something we’ll continue to revisit from different lenses as our stories shift and our lives fill up in different ways.
What’s next?
Browse more from this chapter here: Reclaim Your Energy Archives
Reclaiming energy is a theme I often circle back to in my monthly newsletter; and honestly, something I’m always thankful to be reminded of by my inbox. Feel free to check it out, and stay connected!
You might also like to visit another chapter in the creative reclamation story arc:
Reconnect with Yourself – to find clarity, direction, and alignment.
Make Space to Create – to welcome creativity into your daily life.
The Creative Practice – to stay connected to your creativity.
