Return to Self

How to return to self from the land of meh.

Have you ever been stuck in a place of “meh”? The land of not interested, uninspired, and lack of enthusiasm? Maybe you’ve been in this space for a while. Maybe for the last few days, weeks, or months you’ve been moving like a sloth through life and nothing feels alive.

What I’m describing here can be mistaken for depression, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about a space of meh. A place of emptiness and why bother. A space of what the hell and who cares. A land of lost and void of self. The big difference of meh and depression is specific steps can break the pattern and get you feeling better and moving forward in no time.

More importantly, I’m talking about my own personal experience and process.  If you can relate and it helps you, double zinger, triple awesome, exponential flips over the moon, fabulous.

If you can relate and it helps you, double zinger, triple awesome, exponential flips over the moon, fabulous.

5 Simple Steps to Motivate Yourself

Step 1: Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore.  

Awareness is where the shift begins. You’d think this is obvious, but it’s surprising how we can talk ourselves into ignoring the truth.  Once you acknowledge you’re in meh – no excuses – only acceptance and proceed to step two.

Step 2: Kindness matters    

Handle yourself with tender loving care. There is no use in beating yourself up or using demoralizing language.  Speak kind words to yourself and leave the “should haves” at the door.  Treat yourself like you would your best friend when she needs support.

Step 3: Resist the “why” stop

Don’t get off at the “why” stop. Don’t spend time trying to figure out why you arrived at meh. It will delay your return to self.  It’s best to approach why, if you feel the need to, from a happy, healthy, whole space.

Step 4: Finding Norm

Get back to your regular activities now, even if you don’t feel like it. I know when I’m in meh, I don’t want to exercise, take time to juice, do my hair, or go anywhere.  I – j u s t – d o n’ t – w a n t – t o – d o – i t (period). Do it anyway. It’s the fastest way to get back to self from meh.

Step 5: Return to Me

It may take a few intentional norm activities, but keep moving forward. Before you know it, you’ll be rounding that corner and self will be there waiting for you. The clouds will break, the sun will shine, and the angels will sing. Okay, maybe that’s a bit over the top. But, you’ll get back to feeling yourself in no time.

One word of warning…

It’s easy to want to avoid acknowledging the land of “meh”, by using food or alcohol to blur the landscape. The land of meh is where many habitual activities and behaviors begin.  Be careful.