Ikigai Thought for Today: One of Those Days
Facing times when we just don't have what it takes.
Audio narration by David Marlow
I don’t have it today. Ever felt that way?
Over the last few days, I’ve gone deep into something new with my writing. While I love it, the process can be draining, especially sharing from the heart in creative expression.
Since that’s where I am today, here are five ideas for dealing with feeling drained.
📌 As with all emotions, I sit with it a bit as soon as I notice the feeling.
📌 As I do, I ask myself, “What do I need to do to care for myself?”
It might be something as simple as another cup of coffee, a run, or a nap. It might be something big like taking a day off.
📌 If time off is needed, I permit myself to take it. No guilt or hesitation; take some time off to rest, recreate, or recover.
📌 I ponder if there is a small thing I might do even with limited capacity—something small to get the spark from even a tiny task. Writing down my process for this post is a great example.
📌 Finally, I ask, “What do I need in a larger sense to be where I want to be?” This feeling might be linked to something bigger, like burnout.
Bonus idea:
📌Am I getting enough sleep? Am I including activities and people that energize me? Am I doing too many draining tasks without recharging?
🌱 Whatever the answer(s), the next thing is to take a small step in that direction.
🌱 Ultimately, I acknowledge there are days when I won’t have it. None of those days last, and it’s okay to have one occasionally.
🌀 Remember: No matter what has come before, today is a fresh start.
Let’s make things a little bit better. 🌱
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It amazes me how many times over the last few years you have posted on a subject that I needed right at that specific time. I am usually able to sustain a pretty high energy. I am always on the lookout for something positive I can do and someone I can encourage. Leave good energy and positivity in my wake. The last couple of days has been hard. Even last night, my gratitude practice through my usual loving-kindness meditation at bedtime wasn't enough to cut through the noise. My brain was exhausted, but my body wouldn't sleep.
This:
👉 “What do I need in a larger sense to be where I want to be?"
This is not to be confused with the question" What do I need to FIX in order to move FORWARD," as I posted about the other day on LinkedIn.
Sometimes we need more sleep.
Sometimes we need less noise.
Sometimes we need to say no to something that has put a constant flowing tap on our energy. That does not mean we need fixing. It is simply mindful maintenance that we have been neglecting.
This Ikigai thought is a keeper. It’s so easy to feel drained and so hard to get out of it.