Sharpening the Saw: Why I Wear a Little Gold Saw Around My Neck

People often notice the tiny gold saw I wear on a chain around my neck. They comment on it, curious, expecting perhaps a story about carpentry or an old family tool.

But the truth is this: it’s my reminder to stop… to breathe… and to sharpen my own saw.

It’s a talisman that whispers, “Pause and take a breather.”. my rule of thumb is: if I find myself fiddling with it, it's whispering and I need to take notice!

The lesson behind that little gold saw is ancient, but I first learned it from a simple story by Steve Covey - The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Simon & Schuster, 1989.

A man was walking through a forest when he came across someone sawing furiously at a huge tree trunk.

The poor chap was red-faced, breathless, sweat pouring off him.

He sawed and sawed without stopping, growing more frustrated by the moment.

The passer-by watched for a while, then gently asked, “What are you doing?”

“What does it look like I’m doing?” the man snapped.“I’m sawing this tree. I need it down.”

“Would you like to take a break? I’ve got water in my rucksack.”

“No, no! I haven’t got time for water. I need this tree down quickly.”

The passer-by studied him a moment longer and then said, “Your saw looks very blunt. Why don’t you stop for a few minutes to sharpen it? You’d cut through the tree faster—and you’d feel better.”

The exhausted man shook his head: “No time to sharpen the saw! I’ve got to get this thing down.”

And on he went—growing more exhausted, less effective, and more frustrated with every stroke. This made me stop and think ...

Most of us are, at least sometimes...

We push on.

We grind through.

We keep giving, serving, teaching, healing, helping…

But we forget that even the strongest, kindest, most capable among us needs rest, spaciousness, and time to restore.

If we don’t take that time, our metaphorical saw gets dull.

We become tired, foggy, less efficient, less joyful.

Stress grows.

Creativity shrinks.

Our energy system—meridians, chakras, radiant circuits—gets sluggish.

Sharpening the saw isn’t indulgence. It’s essential maintenance.

It’s self-care in its wisest form.

Here’s how you can weave renewal into the rhythm of your life.

Daily Sharpening

Small, simple acts that re-centre your energy system and soften your nervous system:

• 5–10 minutes of slow, conscious breathing

• Energy Medicine routines like the Daily Energy Routine or Crown Pull

• A quiet cup of tea where you pause long enough to feel yourself again

• A short walk outside, connecting with nature

• Touching a hand to your heart and simply saying, “I’m here.”

These micro-rituals keep your saw sharp as you move through each day.

Weekly Sharpening

Once a week, give yourself something a little deeper:

• A longer meditation, or a restorative yoga session

• Time with your animal companions

• An evening offline

• A bath with Epsom salts or essential oils

• Journaling, letting the week settle and integrate

This is the level of self-care that helps you reset your emotional and energetic balance.

Monthly Sharpening

A more intentional pause—like tuning an instrument with care:

• A half-day or full day for yourself

• A healing session (EEM, acupuncture, massage, craniosacral, reflexology)

• Decluttering your space to clear your energy field

• A small personal retreat — a long walk, a favourite café, a quiet room with a book

• Reviewing your commitments and reclaiming your boundaries

This is where renewal meets clarity, where you re-choose your direction.

Annual Sharpening

A deep replenishment of your spirit and vision:

• A retreat

• A holiday that includes rest, not only activity

• A few days in nature to remember who you are under all your roles

• Reflecting on the year — what you learned, what you’re ready to release, what you want to cultivate next

This is the “big sharpen,” where you step back, breathe fully, and reconnect with your deeper wisdom. For me personally I find the time around New Year a good time to reflect.

Don’t Become Addicted to Being Busy

It is surprisingly easy to become addicted to output—especially when you love what you do.

It's too easy to develop the habit of being strong and carrying on.

But a dull saw is not a badge of honour.

A tired woman is not a more useful woman.

You can't shine if you are exhausted.

You deserve restoration.

Your body deserves attention.

Your energy deserves tending.

Your gifts deserve a well-nourished you.

That is why I wear my little gold saw. It reminds me to stop, breathe, renew, and sharpen that saw!

Now there's an idea for a Christmas pressie !

xxx Maddie