When I was a child, my only definition for the word energy was what my mom referred to as having “pep.”  I wonder how many kids today would ever use that word? Not many, I would think.

There are so many other meanings attached to this word.  We use the term energy in phrases like “energy-efficient,” “energy-saving,” an “energy drain.”  Other terms, such as: electricity, natural gas, solar, nuclear, wind and water power, all sources of heat and cooling, are the types we use in our daily lives.

But, our personal energy, our “pep,” so to speak, has many forms also.  We have energy that is physical, mental and emotional. Adjectives, such as draining and invigorating, can be used to describe them.  Sometimes, sitting and waiting, trying to face the unknown, can require more energy than anything physical. It is important to always be aware of where we put this commodity.  We each may use it to affect good or bad outcomes. And if we are not aware, someone can zap it from us.

Energy can be part of one’s personality.  Optimism is considered energetic, even if one is physically unable to move.  One can exude energy from a wheelchair. One’s mind can be the source of that power.  In fact, I think that most of our personal energy resides in our minds.

There are times when I sit and marvel at what one word can provide as a tool to describe and name so many other things. Energy is one such word. It is a source of conflict in our world.  The rights to use energy resources has caused untold disputes, some even leading to wars. How we deal with energy can be the cause of life or death.

In closing, I would like to say that we need all kinds of energy to live.  It is up to us to find enough of this power that we need, to get through, and live to the fullest.