I’ve lived in my small one-and-a-half story bungalow in Baraboo since 2005. I was drawn to this home because of the big windows, the wood floors, and the mature trees.
I’ve done very few home repairs since residing here. Last month I decided that it was time to get a new surround for my bathtub. My usual handyman was booked and unable to accommodate my request, so it meant finding someone new. A realtor friend here in town made a recommendation.
Last week the new handyman came and did the repair in the bathroom. I really liked him, and I really liked his energy. He was helpful, knowledgeable, professional, and personable. He did a great job, and I’ve enjoyed showering in my “new” tub.
I only interacted with him for the first hour when we went to Menard’s together and then a few other times when he needed my assistance. Otherwise I was up on my second floor doing office work.
When he left at the end of the day, I was exhausted. Utterly and completely spent – as in nothing left in the tank.
Even in my own home.
Even with someone I was comfortable with.
Even when I invited them in.
Even when I was glad to have them there.
Even when they were doing something positive for me.
I sat with why I was so tired. As I reflected, I realized it was because I’m not used to having another human in my space. I live alone with my cat for companionship. Having someone – even someone whose energy is comfortable – in my home for that length of time was a challenge.
My energy field worked overtime to adjust to having someone else’s energy in my space.
Many people who are empathic or sensitive to energy report something similar. In the “Energy Essentials for Empaths” class, many participants share that they need alone time to decompress at the end of the day.
In part, this also explains why many people in the corporate world have struggled with going back to working on-site again.
Luckily, there are tools that can help us better manage our energy.
My handyman is coming back again next month to do another project. I know to use my tools and work with this in advance of his visit. Before he arrives, I’ll do the Recipe to be grounded, centered, comfortable in my space, and energetically protected. I’ll ask my body protector and my gatekeeper to turn down the volume on his energy and help my energy field navigate having someone else in the house. I’ll also have a conversation with my body and energy field ahead of time and let them know what will be happening and hold the intention to be present with their needs.
This work is real, and it matters.