According to anecdotal evidence, the recession has created a generic sense of crankiness in my dear home country. The United States, in particular, is experiencing a new kind of energy crisis that concerns me. But, I have an idea on how we might reach a solution.

“Where on Earth do you get all your energy?” I get asked quite frequently.

If you have ever watched children, they are full of it. Somewhere along the line, we start to lose it as we enter the teen years (or it gets rerouted in the strangest of ways. Sleeping until noon, but staying up until all hours). Then we gain momentum again as hormones get sorted out and life takes on some kind of form.

By thirty, we are on a downward slope once again, especially if you have children of your own. One year when my children were really young, my mother asked me what I wanted for my birthday. My response: “Eight hours of consecutive sleep.” I certainly wasn’t the energetic bunny I am today. Sleep deprivation can do that to a person.

To answer the question where I get all my energy, it comes from years of stripping away the unnecessary (I kept the kids. They are indeed necessary!). Worry can weigh you down like a rock. Slough it off like a snake removes its skin and you’d be surprised at how much energy you’ll discover.

Focus is another one. If you know what you want, focus on it. Think about it. A lot. Ask yourself, “What is important to me today?” Then do that thing first.

Embrace change. Let it go through you. Release resistance. Accept.

Hug a tree. It’s incredibly grounding and puts your head back in order on those days when the world gets to be too much.

Talk to someone who can help you. I recently had a phone call with a new friend who was looking to jumpstart her writing career. She already had all the answers to her questions; I was simply there to help her discover them for herself. With a travelling husband and no full-time job, she had a lot of time, but no focus, which can be exhausting.

It comes down to energy management. If channeled correctly, you can reach your goals so much faster by ignoring things that would distract you. Surround yourself with people who give you energy. Stay away from the energy vampires that take without replenishing your supply.

And remember to have fun, which is energizing in itself.

If you aren’t clear where to put your energy, develop a new vision for yourself. Put together a new way of thinking about your life. Step-by-step you will make choices based on that new belief system. As if by magic, you will start to burst with renewed strength.

Then, when people will ask you “Where on Earth do you get all that energy?”, share your secret so they too can experience the same.

I’m starting to think we might be able to solve the world’s energy crisis together after all. Do you believe?