239. What Keeps You Energised Throughout the Day?

In this week’s reflection, I’m sharing the simple things that truly recharge me and keep my energy flowing throughout the day.

For me, it starts with a good night’s sleep, a few little naps when I need them, and then my favourite trio:

• Sun

• Water

• Earth

After I wake up, I always look for sunlight. I find a cosy spot in the house or garden where I can sit in direct sun and enjoy my breakfast. Ideally, I’d love to spend around three hours in the sun - it fills me with warmth, happiness, and calm energy.

Then comes water. I love starting my day with a shower or bath, and if I can, I’ll swim in the sea or the pool later on. Every time my body connects with water, I feel lighter, refreshed, and alive again.

And finally, Earth. I love walking barefoot on the ground, lying down on the grass, or being surrounded by flower pots that carry that rich, grounding scent of soil. It’s my way of feeling centred and connected to nature.

These simple rituals keep me energised and balanced throughout the day.

I’d love to hear from you — what keeps your energy flowing?

Yours

Olga Smith

238. Freedom or Fear

Fear is an emotion deeply connected to our survival instinct. It keeps us alive in the face of danger—it is natural to feel scared when confronted with a bear in the woods, when swimming against massive ocean waves, or when a hurricane is approaching. In these moments, fear sharpens our senses and prepares us to act.

But fear is not only a survival tool. It is also one of the most powerful tools of control.

Politicians use fear to control voters’ decisions and behaviour, painting pictures of threats and dangers that they claim only they can prevent.

Advertisers use fear in campaigns to control buying decisions—“without this product, you will not be safe, attractive, or successful.”

Parents sometimes use fear to control their children’s behaviour—threatening punishment, rejection, or shame.

Sadly, fear shows up in our closest relationships. My most recent example: just yesterday, a woman who claimed to be my friend told me that if I did not stop questioning her opinion, I would lose her as a friend. Her message wasn’t about dialogue—it was about control. It was an attempt to use fear of loss to silence me. I immediately blocked her because I cannot stand when others attempt to dominate me.

The problem for most people is that they trust others more than themselves. Whilst the best defence against manipulation is self-trust.

How can we develop self-trust? Here is the answer:

• Questioning: Who is the beneficiary? What’s in it for me?

• Reflecting:

• Standing firm in our values

So what can we do when fear is used against us? Here are some practices:

1. Notice the Threat Behind the Words

2. Pause Before Reacting

3. Separate real risk from imagined risk

Red Flags

A healthy choice comes from clarity, not coercion. If you feel cornered, silenced, shamed or “guilted” into action, it is most likely a manipulation by fear.

Fear should protect our lives, not control our choices. When we learn to recognise the difference, we reclaim our freedom.