Ever felt like certain people in your life are just sucking the energy right out of you? I used to feel that way all the time, but recently, I came across a perspective that completely flipped the script for me. And since this is my manifestation blog—where I love diving into how we can create the life of our dreams—I knew I had to share this with you. Plus, I’m tying it into my favorite category, natural living, because I think this mindset can help us live more in tune with the earth’s rhythms while manifesting a life full of vibrant energy.
Here’s the thing: when I used to feel drained by others, I’d point the finger at them. “They’re exhausting me,” I’d think. But what I’ve come to realize is that it’s not really about them—it’s about me. Or, more specifically, the story I’m telling myself. You see, we all have this ego that loves to make everything about “me, me, me.” It’s constantly judging, building a narrative in our heads where we’re the victim: “They’re draining my energy.” But the truth is, it’s not the person zapping my energy—it’s the story I’ve created around them. That negative loop keeps me stuck, feeling powerless, and honestly, it’s exhausting.
Now, let’s bring this into the world of natural living, because I think nature has so much to teach us here. I like to think of my energy as a river flowing through a forest—meant to move freely, nourishing everything it touches. But when I let my ego take over with its victim stories, it’s like I’ve built a dam in that river. My energy gets stuck, and I feel totally depleted. Nature doesn’t work that way, though. A tree doesn’t blame the wind for bending its branches—it just sways, grows stronger, and keeps reaching for the sun. When I slow down and reconnect with the natural world, I can let go of those stories and get back into flow.
So, how do we shift this and start manifesting a life where we feel energized instead of drained? It’s simpler than you might think. I’ve started asking myself one key question: “How is this person actually helping me?” This fits so beautifully with natural living because it’s about finding harmony in everything—even the tough stuff. In nature, every single thing has a purpose. The rain that feels like a nuisance waters the plants; the storm that seems chaotic clears space for new growth. I’ve started to see that every person and experience in my life is the same way—they’re here to help me grow, even if it doesn’t feel like it at first.
When I’m caught up in a negative story, it’s like I’m a plant refusing to soak up the rain—I miss the nourishment that’s right there for me. But when I reframe it and ask, “How is this helping me?” I start to see the lesson. Maybe that friend who always seems to “drain” me is actually teaching me how to set better boundaries or practice patience. The moment I shift my focus from “This person is doing this to me” to “How is this helping me?” I start noticing all the ways I’m growing. It’s like a lightbulb goes off, and suddenly, I’m not stuck anymore.
This mindset also reminds me of how nature works in cycles—there’s always growth, release, and renewal. When I hold onto those negative stories, I’m fighting that natural process. I’ve noticed that if I stay focused on feeling sorry for myself, I just keep running into the same lessons over and over again until I finally get it. But when I start believing that everything is working out for my highest good—just like how nature always finds its balance—I feel so much lighter. I stop giving other people power over my energy and start taking it back for myself.
If you want to try this in your own life, here’s what I’ve been doing, and it ties right into natural living. The next time you feel drained by someone, step outside for a bit. Feel the grass under your feet, take a deep breath of fresh air, and let nature ground you. Then ask yourself, “How is this person helping me?” I love doing this while sitting under a tree or near a stream—it helps me feel connected to the earth’s wisdom. Sometimes I’ll even journal my thoughts or meditate on it. Nature has a way of showing us how to let go and flow again, and it’s been such a powerful way for me to conserve my energy while manifesting more peace and clarity.
At the end of the day, I’ve realized that no one can take my energy unless I let them. By letting go of the victim story and leaning into the lessons—while staying connected to the natural world—I’ve been able to manifest a life where every interaction feels like a chance to grow. It’s like how nature turns challenges into opportunities for renewal. We can do the same with our energy, and in doing so, create a life that feels abundant and aligned. So, let’s release those old stories, step into the flow of the universe, and watch our manifestations come to life—naturally.