A few weeks ago, I recorded a video about the importance of filling our own energy tanks first. It was inspired by a series of “random” experiences where I noticed people claiming a desire to be of service, yet barely keeping their own heads above water. It’s my stance that we need to be fully rooted, not perfect or completely healed, but connected to our own power before we can truly help others.

And even then, I want to be giving from my overflow, not scraping the crumbs from the bottom of the barrel.

Lately, it’s been taking a lot of effort for me to keep my own tank full. I’m finding a greater and greater pull towards reflection and hibernation, a draw to tending my own heart and hearth, and to be with the emotions clamoring for my attention.

All the overflow is going towards my students and clients and I’m finding that, for now, that’s the best I can do. I’m tempted to share the video for my monthly paid subscriber post, even though I haven’t yet made the companion “how- to” recording, but that doesn’t quite feel right.

I’ve paused paid subscriptions for now instead.

Pausing feels like the right choice. I don’t know exactly what’s going to happen next year. I’m just being real with what’s happening now. Core wounds have come up for healing, the season calls for turning inwards, my muse is quiet. Rather than trying to force words that are not flowing and risking burnout, I’m taking the rest of the month off from posting here.

This is the practice! While I’m offering it through example rather than a guided visualization, the lesson is unchanged. Being attuned to my body, my needs, my intuition has revealed that something needs to give. Honest reflection reveals that my efforts are required elsewhere. So I’m following through with the action I’ve been inspired to make. I’m giving myself a break while I recalibrate.

These next few weeks are a particularly good time for letting go of what isn’t serving us any more. Whatever holidays you do or do not celebrate, I encourage you to note what you are being guided to release. For me, it’s self-betrayal. I’m no longer willing to downplay my desire to keep my tank full or allow my people-pleasing tendencies to overpower my own needs.

What are you being called to shed here in the final two months of the year of the snake? Will you let it go willingly or fight the inevitable? How can you make room for the change that is coming?

Even one minor step towards authenticity can yield tremendous benefits.