Feeling stuck? Blah? Are you lacking zest for life?
I would venture to say that many people have experienced these feelings at some point, but when the feelings are persistent it’s time to make a change!
Having personally felt blah, stuck and “zest-less” once or twice, I’ve tried different ways to change how I felt. Following are some methods which worked best for me. Hopefully you will have success with one or more of these or at least the ideas will help you identify solutions that are best for you.
Try a new activity. One night, many years ago, I ventured out to a salsa club in Philadelphia with a friend of a friend. In the club, a gentleman approached and asked her to dance. Unbeknownst to me she knew how to salsa dance! She effortlessly followed his lead, executing turn patterns, fancy foot work and elegant styling. I was fascinated and wanted to learn! A year later, I went to my first salsa class. A couple years later, I moved to NYC and continued to pursue my passion for salsa, even learning the acclaimed mambo “on 2” style for which New York Salseros are infamous. The music, the movement and the interaction all worked to brighten my life! Maybe you too have a passion or an interest you’d like to pursue. Go for it -- an art class, a workout routine, a book club, a personal project, a new language, pole dancing -- whatever floats your boat!
Meditate. Even if you don’t think you are “the type” to meditate, try it. Relaxing the mind is good for you physically and mentally. I’ve often had the best ideas after meditating and I’ve experienced greater clarity. To start, try to free your mind of thoughts for a few minutes, or follow a guided meditation. Youtube has a wide selection.
Change your scenery. If you have the means, take a trip. Even a day trip will do, but a longer excursion will have a greater effect. Just being in a different place, away from the the people we know and the things to which we are accustomed, can provide a fresh and more appreciative perspective once we return home. The other benefit of a trip is the decor, food, people, luxuries and style we often encounter and admire during our travels offer a sense of inspiration for our daily lives. Aspire to incorporating what you admire into your life! (2020 Update: Needless to say the pandemic has made travel quite restricted, but there are still are ways to get a change of scenery.)
Freshen up your surroundings! Have you ever experienced the thrill of moving into a new place, knowing that you have a fresh canvas? With the blank palate of an empty space, you can decorate to your liking and create what you envision. For me it’s a welcome challenge! But as time passes, sometimes we can become slightly disenchanted or bored with certain things. Sure it would be easy to buy all new items but that would be too costly. So instead, I’ve used a three step approach that doesn’t cost anything but helps me reacquire that fresh feel I love when setting up a new home.
The three step approach is Minimize, Rearrange, Re-purpose!
Minimize: Eliminating excess in visible as well as covered areas is key to feeling “renewed”. Creating a neat, clean and organized space will lift your mood. Starting with your drawers and closets can be slightly overwhelming but it's well worth the effort. Knowing that behind the scenes everything is uncluttered, is a great foundation for truly attaining that fresh feel!
Rearrange: Switch things around. Everything from furniture, to throw pillows to artwork and decorative pieces can be staged differently for a new look.
Re-purpose: This is especially clever but requires a little imagination. Using items meant for one purpose in a different way, adds interest and a unique quality to your home. A few examples include taking an old bedspread, wrapping it around a rod to create a valance as window decoration. Take an old vase and use it to hold brushes, combs and hair accoutrement. Decorate a chair by wrapping a scarf around its back.
See future posts for more specific suggestions on this three step process!
Engage in a routine to make your inner and outer self feel optimal. Exercise and eating healthy are so important for your overall outlook. Just over four months ago, I became a vegan. (2021 Update: I have been vegan now for more than 3.5 years.) It not only lifted my spirits because I’m doing something good for my body but due to the benefit that Veganism has on the planet and animals. This change has also led me on a journey to learn more about health and wellness!
Find your purpose Okay this is way easier said than done. But until you find your mission in life, engage in those things that you find meaningful. These may very well be your stepping stones to understanding your purpose!
May Your Life Soar!
And of course, always LIVE B.A.R.E.
A Think B.A.R.E. creation Ⓒ. Author Cesca, November 2017