I've always been fascinated by how energy affects me. For a long time, I didn't have a label for the feeling I'd get when chatting casually with someone, having a heart-to-heart, attending or leading meetings, in social settings, and more. I just knew that something felt good or, occasionally, could have felt better.

But then I became more aware of the existence of an energetic field in interactions and began to understand its impact on me. Now I try to be present and really tune into whether a conversation, relationship or situation energizes me or drains me. I reflect on where that feeling comes from and if a shift is needed to keep a positive flow.

I value connections that uplift me, and I work to have more of that in my life where it's lacking and look for ways to move the drain to a gain when I feel the energy lagging. Do you experience this, too?

So when I read Peter McWilliams' quote, "Emotion is energy in motion," his characterization clicked. His words put a framework around my feelings as he links them to forward movement. McWilliams underscores the idea that emotions can guide us toward what truly matters to us, helping us identify pursuits that align with our values and bring us fulfillment. This awareness is essential throughout our lives and can be especially helpful as we approach retirement, where harnessing our emotions can significantly impact our quality of life.

Tapping into your emotions can:

• Reveal your true desires

• Foster a sense of purpose and meaning

• Enhance mental and emotional health

These factors will add to the vitality possible in the next chapter years. So, how can we better understand our emotions? Here are some methods I've found effective in supporting my clients as they navigate retirement:

Mindfulness: Be fully present and engaged in the current moment without judgment by focusing on your breath, sensations, and surroundings to reduce stress and improve clarity.

Journaling: Write down your thoughts, feelings, and experiences regularly to gain insight, process emotions, and reflect on personal growth and goals.

Positive Intelligence Practice (based on Shirzad Chamine's work https//:www.positiveintelligence.com): Develop mental fitness by identifying and weakening negative thoughts (Saboteurs) and strengthening positive thoughts (Sage powers) through specific exercises and mindfulness to enhance well-being and performance.

Gratitude Practice: Regularly note things you're grateful for to shift focus towards positive emotions and improve overall mood and satisfaction.

As you look to the years ahead and to who and what you’re spending your time with, take a moment to consider McWilliams's quote, "Emotion is Energy in Motion." How does it resonate with you? What can help you harness the power of your emotions and use them to propel you forward in designing and living into the retirement you envision?

Conflux Retirement Coaching is about merging the best of who you are with who you want to be. Let’s partner in exploring your emotions as you discover what you’d like more of in your life (gains) as you make the most of your retirement years.