Clear Your Calendar. Seriously.

Welcome to Wisdom Wednesdays from Owl & Key

Each week, enjoy a quick guided reflection to help you unlock what's next and bring your Strategic Plan for Life into reality.

Let's dive in!

If you’re sitting there thinking, “I just can’t do it all this week…”

…you’re not wrong.

And you’re definitely not alone.

This isn’t a moment to push through. It’s a moment to clear the path.

Real change - the kind that makes you take a deep sigh of relief - doesn't come from noise and chaos.

It comes from moments of space. Doing things that light your spirit up and fill your cup.

Sound "nice" but impossible? We assure you this is not fluff. It's tested and proven.

ONE SERIOUS QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF:

Where are you saying yes, when your wellbeing desparately needs a no?

You may not be able to stop everything.

But you can say no to a lot.

WE'VE TESTED IT FOR YOU

Before we go further, let me say this:

I know this may sound unrealistic. But I promise you — it’s not.

When I first tried this, it was because Phil was leaving town for 10 days, and I had to solo parent a 2 and 4 year old… while leading five group sessions and managing a full week of meetings.

I didn’t have the capacity for it all.

So I deleted and moved everything on my calendar, with just a week’s notice.

I was clear about my intentions and explained the situation.

And do you know what happened?

People didn’t flinch. They supported it.
They thanked me for modeling a different way to lead.
And I had one of the most powerful, clarifying unlocks that has shaped the last few years of my life, our family and our business once my calendar was clear.

That unlock has led to tremendous growth and continued healing.

I've used these tools ever since when things get too busy.

WHY IT MATTERS TO YOU

This is not only possible for you, it's necessary.

As a leader, the people you lead in life and work want to see you model this, too. Ultimately, they want you to be well. They want you to be bright. They want you to be healthy and happy.

And your "no" might be the very thing that gives you and them the version of you that everyone cherishes and values most.

Here's how you do it...

🔧 TWO TACTICAL TOOLS FOR WHEN YOU FEEL MAXED OUT

Clear the calendar.
Open your schedule for the week ahead.
Delete anything that isn’t absolutely necessary.
Even the meetings you feel guilty canceling. Even the “important” things.
Create the space. Watch your energy open and shift.

Remember - it's not forever, it's just for the week. A week of clarity. A week of space. To test what it feels like if you have more time. We like to say: "You're just playing with it to see what happens. Like a kid in the sandbox."
Clear the inbox.
Select and delete everything that’s draining you as quickly as possible.
Newsletters, threads, obligations — even this email, if that’s what you need.
Set an "Out of Office."
Clear the clutter. Trust what stays.

And then, when you are ready, only add back in what feels aligned and necessary. Maintaining a sense of spaciousness as you go forward.

WHY THIS WORKS

You have to practically create space. You can't just think it.

Actively removing the noise and chaos sends an immediate signal to your nervous system that you can trust yourself to take care of yourself.

And when your brain flares up with resistance, which it will. Remind it...

Saying no isn’t a failure. It's not selfish.

It’s a growth edge.

Especially if you’re tired. And most especially if you lead.

You can keep running about leading from an empty cup, reducing the value you create and the impact you make.

OR you can create space, get clear, unlock what's possible and move forward with more steadiness.

The choice is yours. Either way - we're rooting for you.

💡 Want to help others do this, too?

Simply model it and encourage others to do the same.

But if you’ve been drawn to the kind of clarity work we practice here…

If you’re known for holding space, guiding others, or craving something more intentional in your next chapter…

Our Guide Training might be exactly what you’ve been wanting more of.

🔗 Early access to Guide Training is open now

With permission to pause,

Krista + The Owl & Key Team

✨ Members - want to supercharge your wellbeing and growth with inspiration and support? Hop into our live community conversation this Friday at Noon EST.

Not yet a member? Try out UNLOCKED — your future self will thank you.

Not ready to join us? You can also buy the book, schedule a 1:1 session or bring us into your organization to work with your team or speak.