Let’s all welcome our newest members @Nick Nebelsky @Patrick Davidson @Kevin James @Jenna Kelly Woohoo! Thank you so much for being here!

We all know the feeling: a conversation that leaves us emptier than before. A presence that drains, a voice that takes without giving back. What if the old stories — of zombies, vampires, and restless spirits — were metaphors for this exact experience? #### 🧟 The Modern Energy Zombie: Recognizing the “Undead” Among Us In myth, the zombie is a soul trapped — a being moving without will, feeding without purpose. In life, "energy zombies" can look like: - The same complaints, recycled endlessly - Conversations that pull focus but offer no reflection - A lingering fog of fatigue after you engage They often don’t mean harm. They're simply stuck in a loop — and unconsciously pulling others into their orbit. The first step in protecting your energy? See the loop. Name the pattern. You don’t have to join the cycle. #### 🕯️ Becoming the Guide, Not the Fuel In old tales like the Chinese *jiangshi* (hopping corpse), the priest doesn’t fight the undead. They guide them home — using ritual, talismans, and clear intention. We can do the same with energy-draining dynamics: 1. Set boundaries like sacred seals. "I can listen until 4 p.m., then I need to recharge." 2. Ask guiding questions. "What feels nourishing to you right now?" (This shifts the focus from drain to reflection.) 3. Protect your light without extinguishing theirs. You are not required to burn out so others feel warm. You don’t have to carry them — just show them where their own light might be. #### ✨ Reflect With Us - Have you recognized an "energy zombie" in your life — or in yourself? - What’s one small boundary that has preserved your spirit? - How can we guide with compassion, without losing ourselves? Share your thoughts below. Sometimes, naming the pattern is the first step toward changing it — for them, and for you. Inspired by Classroom Lesson 1.1 and Mike's shared story. #EnergyAwareness #CommunityReflection

This week I want to shine a light on @Sean Hegarty . One of the earliest members to sign up to The Creators Union, Sean has been a thoughtful, supportive and positively contributing member to this community since Day 1. Sean is also here doing what he can to help with men's issues, by running two great communities here on Skool, the first is "The Forge", a free community where men find their direction, steady their days, build real friendships, and move forward with renewed strength. His other group is "The Sean Zone" a paid invite only social lounge where people can socialize and network with other Skool community founders. Thank you so much for being here Sean, you're presence is a bonus for us all and we appreciate your thoughtful input!

I am so happy to have a community with 35 members. I know it might sound small to some, but I feel truly blessed to have such a great collection of solid people in this community. I am so appreciative of every single one of you here. What have been your recent victories in or out of Skool?

If you think anxiety makes you an imposter or unable to work in a creative field, think again. Here is my story, I hope it helps: