We booked a hotel, spent some time at the spa, and then went down to the restaurant for dinner — just the three of us: my dad, me, and my daughter, Luna-Rose.
And something small happened that reminded me how much energy shapes communication.
Two things, actually — both happening within minutes.
First, a young waiter brought our drinks to the table. As they set them down, one of the bottles toppled and lemonade went everywhere — all over the table, all over the game of chutes and ladders Luna and I were playing.
You could see the panic and embarrassment all over them. And I could feel myself instinctively shifting into calm, reassuring energy.
“It’s fine. Honestly. No damage done. Just take your time — we’ll get another lemonade whenever you’re ready.”
And I meant it. No stress. No frustration.
Not even a minute later, Luna accidentally knocked over her glass of Coke with her elbow.
And in that tiny moment — the space of a breath — I noticed a fork in the road…
…having just given a stranger the right energy…would I give the same to my daughter?
Of course I did. And dinner carried on. But it hit me how often this happens in our work, too.
How often do we manage to show the right energy to a client or a colleague…
…and then moments later, with someone else, we snap, rush, react, or tighten up?
Same situation. Different person. Totally different energy.
Why?
What exactly are we reacting to?
What stories are we telling ourselves about who “deserves” patience, or understanding, or reassurance?
And where do we still find ourselves working harder to access the energy we know we’re capable of?
Because here’s the uncomfortable part of this: When we say things like “I was tired,” “I was stressed,” “That’s just how I am,” we’re giving ourselves an excuse that doesn’t stand up to scrutiny.
We *can* shift our energy — even when we’re tired, hungry, overwhelmed, or frustrated.
It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware.
And if we can do it in a restaurant over a spilled drink, we can do it in a team meeting, a client call, a difficult conversation, or a moment when our patience is being tested.
The question I’m sitting with — and the one I want you to consider — is this: Where in your work do you find it easiest to offer the right energy, and where do you find it hardest?
And what would change if you became more conscious of that choice?
