Image by Gerd Altmann
I have noticed that some days, I wake early, full of energy and zest. I get up feeling ready to "take on" the world.
On the other hand, there are some mornings where I can't seem to get moving. I am not referring to those mornings when I may be physically tired and need the extra sleep. I speak rather of those mornings when I've had enough hours of rest, yet can't seem to get motivated to "rise and shine".
At those times, I ask myself "What is it in my life that keeps me from feeling enthusiastic about the upcoming day?" In other words, what is it that I want to hide from? Of course it is easy to lay the blame on someone else. It's so-and-so's fault that I don't want to go to work, that I'm angry, that I'm depressed, etc.
Yet when I'm honest with myself, it's always my action (or inaction) that is the source of my lack of energy. Sometimes it is a call that I have been putting off; at other times, it is a situation or person that I don't want to deal with. It is usually something I am trying to avoid, and rather than have to face it, my avoidance is translated into a listless feeling of wanting to stay in bed. Rather than seeking to find a constructive way to deal with the situation, sleep seems to be the easier route. So I avoid taking responsibility by slipping into a state of avoidance, of listlessness.
The question is: is that really the easier way -- to procrastinate and try to avoid what we fear about the day ahead of us? In the long run, probably not. We can't put anything off forever. You may think that you can, that you have shelved something "forever", yet your sub-conscious will remember and keep reminding you in subliminal ways. You will carry that feeling of the `blah's' until you deal with what is causing you to feel that way.
Unresolved Conflicts?
Unresolved issues are a drain on our energy. It is as if we have a tube connected to the 'problem' and energy keeps leaking from us until we sever the connection by changing our attitude, taking action, and resolving the issue.
To get clarity on your own situation, you could ask yourself these questions:
- Am I enthusiastic about life?
- Do I wake up excited to face another day?
- Am interested in my work (or my day-to-day life), and am I involved in it with intensity, energy, and zeal?
- Am I doing what I would choose to do were I to make a completely fresh start?
- Am I committing my time to activities I enjoy?
For one to live a happy and fulfilled life, the answer to these questions needs to be an enthusiastic YES. Otherwise, we are dragging ourselves about, performing tasks which don't really interest us.
Don't Want To Get Out Of Bed?
So, if you wake up in the morning and feel as if you don't want to get up out of bed, I would suggest you ask yourself what it is you are hiding from. Once we acknowledge our role in a situation, we are better able to deal with it constructively.
The avoidance of expected pain or imagined confrontations translates into a mediocre existence lacking in joy and vitality. Once we have dealt with "unresolved issues", we regain our lost enthusiasm and life becomes much more enjoyable. Our level of vibrancy soars when we affirm and practice an enthusiastic and responsive approach to life.
Life can be joyful and happy. We can be like an exuberant child again -- eager to face the toys and joys of the day, and wanting to participate in all of the excitement life has to offer.
Take a look at your life and see where you are siphoning off your own energy. Fix your `energy leaks' and live your life enthusiastically, always expecting the best, and looking forward to what each new day will bring.
When we reach for our dreams and jump into them enthusiastically, taking responsibility for our thoughts and actions, we become a much happier (and healthier) person.
Related Book:
Mindfulness for Chocolate Lovers: A Lighthearted Way to Stress Less and Savor More Each Day
by Diane R. Gehart
Ultimately, this book invites you to play. To laugh. To love. To heal old heartbreaks. To overcome what was once impossible. To open your heart to life and all it has to offer: white, milk, and dark. The stresses of modern life often create the illusion that life is hard, painful, and lonely. You are only a few bites away from an entirely different approach to living a sweeter life.
(Also available as a Kindle edition.)
About The Author
Marie T. Russell is the founder of InnerSelf Magazine (founded 1985). She also produced and hosted a weekly South Florida radio broadcast, Inner Power, from 1992-1995 which focused on themes such as self-esteem, personal growth, and well-being. Her articles focus on transformation and reconnecting with our own inner source of joy and creativity.
Creative Commons 3.0: This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 License. Attribute the author: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com. Link back to the article: This article originally appeared on InnerSelf.com
