Sometimes when I feel that way, I figure my Life is saying, “You need to refuel. Take your time filling your own pitcher so you can pour out more love & energy to others later.” I think we worry when we’re not motivated because the world teaches us we have to “be raring to go” all the time. Maybe a lack of motivation is just what we need for our self-care. ❤️ Happy 2025, Janice.
I really identified with this Janice. Thank you for sharing. I have had a body telling me to quieten down (I don't tend to listen until this...) and become more measured in my daily life as I navigated some big and somewhat triggering days in this first year of grief after my 100 yo Dad died. There is also some kind of anticipatory grief around for me ..at 75, we want to keep enjoying life as is...which is now as we make it happen but not get too caught up with future thinking...Staying present and mindful is even more important. Warm wishes Denyse
Sometimes finding others who share the mental space we've found ourselves in is very comforting. Sure, our situations and lives are vastly different and yet we found each other over the cyberwaves! You continue to inspire me to be better Janice and I hope the little sparks of inspiration and motivation continue to land on you a little more each day.
(For what it's worth, I just started to reread Pressfield's The War of Art to give myself a little boost.) Thank you so much for sharing my essay, I look forward to checking out the other one you posted. xox
I will have to check that book out further. Your article made so much sense to me - - it was funny - or -meant to be - that article was completely written about ways to motivate oneself. And then it was like - oh - wait a minute.
“I began to reconsider. Was my so-called lack of motivation more about a natural part of healing - gathering resources and making subtle shifts? It made sense!“
That’s great. In my case, understanding that a lack of motivation is a symptom of my chronic illness, my body’s way of helping me to rest and heal (not a character flaw) helps me a lot. My motivation to do more often returns after I’ve allowed myself to rest and heal during flare ups. I’ve learned to stop pressuring myself to do more while my body is healing which wasn’t easy.
I thought I had lost my motivation this fall. This article was going to be about recharging it, but then . . .
I love the concept of gathering 🙏
So wise, so helpful, Janice. As always! Be sure to keep us filled in on your progress. It's touch and go around here.
I will do that - promise.
Sometimes when I feel that way, I figure my Life is saying, “You need to refuel. Take your time filling your own pitcher so you can pour out more love & energy to others later.” I think we worry when we’re not motivated because the world teaches us we have to “be raring to go” all the time. Maybe a lack of motivation is just what we need for our self-care. ❤️ Happy 2025, Janice.
Jan, you are exactly right . That is exactly what it seems like. I had to refuel so that I could continue.
Makes sense. It’s always easier to “hide.” New ideas help me and I don’t know what I’d do without my dog. He gets me out of bed.
Good point - the cats are very helpful.
I visited my sister in Oakland and she is the same way. I love walking with her and her dog in the morning, we’d get vegan donuts and hike.
I really identified with this Janice. Thank you for sharing. I have had a body telling me to quieten down (I don't tend to listen until this...) and become more measured in my daily life as I navigated some big and somewhat triggering days in this first year of grief after my 100 yo Dad died. There is also some kind of anticipatory grief around for me ..at 75, we want to keep enjoying life as is...which is now as we make it happen but not get too caught up with future thinking...Staying present and mindful is even more important. Warm wishes Denyse
Hi Denise, We really need to listen to our bodies more than we do. I so agree with you about staying present and mindful. Take care.
Gathering…like an embrace of energy.
Yes.
I feel this
My son found that he gets energized in the dark times of year by using a light box first thing in the morning.
Hi Jan, There is something to that. I'm pretty sure the darkness has something to do with it.
Sometimes finding others who share the mental space we've found ourselves in is very comforting. Sure, our situations and lives are vastly different and yet we found each other over the cyberwaves! You continue to inspire me to be better Janice and I hope the little sparks of inspiration and motivation continue to land on you a little more each day.
(For what it's worth, I just started to reread Pressfield's The War of Art to give myself a little boost.) Thank you so much for sharing my essay, I look forward to checking out the other one you posted. xox
I will have to check that book out further. Your article made so much sense to me - - it was funny - or -meant to be - that article was completely written about ways to motivate oneself. And then it was like - oh - wait a minute.
Thank you Janice, I’m glad you like the article and that was your perspective. I hope you check out the book, it’s very good.
I bought the book.
“I began to reconsider. Was my so-called lack of motivation more about a natural part of healing - gathering resources and making subtle shifts? It made sense!“
I think you nailed it!
Hi Stephanie, A plus has been that I've stopped pressuring myself to do more and find myself more motivated.
That’s great. In my case, understanding that a lack of motivation is a symptom of my chronic illness, my body’s way of helping me to rest and heal (not a character flaw) helps me a lot. My motivation to do more often returns after I’ve allowed myself to rest and heal during flare ups. I’ve learned to stop pressuring myself to do more while my body is healing which wasn’t easy.
Hi Stephanie, That's the point I think: "My body’s way of helping me rest and heal (not a character flaw) helps me a lot."