We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act but a habit. ~Aristotle
The prevalence of fatigue in the general population is commonplace. It can be a physical or a medical condition, yet often, it is neither. Feeling tired is not because we have done too much but rather because we have too little that sparks our spirit, so fatigue illuminates the weariness in our souls. When we avoid our purpose in life, our life energy slowly leaks away, resulting in tiredness and feeling drained. Commonly it is referred to as spiritual fatigue.
Engaging in activities that have become rote, lackluster, obligatory, and mundane without balancing them with actions that give us pleasure, stir our passions, or feed our souls takes vitality from the life we were meant to live.
Those things that take us away from living a life of meaning take us further from living the life we dreamt of. Resulting in the opposite, living a life we hate.
When we look back on our lives, do we want to have lived a life wishing we had lived more? Have you taken risks and chances of succeeding instead of playing it safe?
Are you living the life that you dreamt of? Or are you spinning your wheels, doing the job you were supposed to have, and acquiring the things that give you the status you think is essential? Are you tired, have trouble finding joy, and get irritable at the most minor trivial? Do you feel you are on a treadmill going nowhere? Do you compare yourself with others who seem to have it all? Do you feel like you are living a lie, playing a part in someone else’s life? Are you emotional for no apparent reason? Have you forgotten your childhood dreams?
A reboot is needed if you can say yes to any of these.
Overcoming spiritual fatigue begins with soul searching and courage. Courage is a Latin word from the root word cour, meaning heart. Therefore, courage originated as the ability to speak all that is in one’s heart.
To follow our life’s purpose begins with the courage to remember who we are. What are those personal dreams held close to our hearts? Or those thoughts we have of becoming more but are too embarrassed to voice for fear of ridicule?
To rid the weariness of our souls is the impetus for becoming who we are meant to be.
While awakening, our spirit can move a lot of energy; sleep disruption and accelerated adrenaline can occur. This may cause temporary fatigue and tiredness, but it is not to be confused with our soul’s weariness. That fatigue is profound and may feel paralyzing.
Although it may feel impossible, to become, we must act. Energy begets energy. So, let’s get a move on.
Following our purpose is not absent from fulfilling our obligations; it is in conjunction with finding balance and navigating toward what our heart wants.
First, understand the struggles we encounter are hidden opportunities. When we are feeling at the end of our ropes or rock bottom, it is typically when the soul is asking for change. When we are in darkness, we search for the light.
Get honest with your deepest, most intimate dreams. Write them down, create a vision board, picturing those dreams in your mind’s eye with as much detail as possible. Then, imagine daily living/becoming that which you dream. Keep those dreams sacred to yourself. Speaking them out loud can dissipate the energy around them.
Remembering who we happen when we shed those personas of who we think we are supposed to be and let go of the identity roles that give us a false sense of self. Stop listening to others about what you should or should not be doing. More importantly, stop should-ing yourself and refrain from should-ing others.
Don’t use the excuse of lack of time. If we want something enough, we always find a way to make it happen. It is a matter of give and take, prioritizing choices. Many people have a side hustle; use that time to explore your passions. The soul has no limitations; the conscious mind puts them upon us.
Be aware not to confuse self-discovery with self-indulgence falling prey to frivolity. On the contrary, self-reflection is gained through introspection. It is within that we begin to understand who we are.
No one and nothing can ease the weariness of our soul but us. Yet, to be at peace with ourselves is to live the life we were meant to live. So, instead of running away from our purpose, dive in, eyes wide open and with awe of the endless possibilities.
Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.
~Mark Twain
