Monday, February 12, 2024

Lack of Motivation

It is normal for people to experience a lack of motivation in life sometimes. However, when it becomes severe or chronic, it may indicate an underlying condition that could be serious. Loss of motivation can sometimes lead to burnout, depression, etc. I’m no expert when it comes to diagnosing others with symptoms and I especially can’t attest to which people experience it worldwide. Although, I can share my thoughts about my own motivation in life.

For me, it has to do with passion, interests, inspiration, progress, etc. Also, if I don’t feel up to doing something, I might be inclined to say “no” despite what the indication would be. If that happens a lot, I may not notice it and continue going down the same path. Although if others are willing to tell me, I go back and re-evaluate to see if there’s something I could be doing differently.

Another thing that’s worked to get/stay motivated is to go over the ways I have found in the past to keep me motivated. This includes all aspects of life, projects, relationships, etc. Some ways are to set small goals to build momentum and reward myself for the little things as well as the big ones. I’ve noticed this being the most helpful when I’m writing, whether it’s poetry or for my book. (Although I suppose it hasn't helped when it's come to writing blog posts!) I stay on one task, before going to the next.

I noticed that after my accident, when there were moments when things got tough, I would either keep a positive mindset or spiral down a path of unpleasant feelings. This also came with what was going on in my life at the time. School was a big one, and even to this day lack of independence makes things tough to deal with. Over time, I learned to only take on as much as I could handle, and not overwork myself.

Jenni


Here are some of my latest poems from the last month or so:


Things Happen for a Reason

I’m at a crossroad in my journey knowing,

that the entrance to the tunnel is my only way out.

It might simply be chance that brought me here,

needing clarity in a moment of struggles.


Trying to make sure all my bases are covered,

because going backward is not an option.

As I walk down the path towards the entrance

thinking “how my life will change forever?”


After that day I never stopped to wonder

“What if I was able to go another direction?”

Realizing that “things happen for a reason,”

becoming paralyzed is the end of this equation.


Loss of Movement

My restless body stirs screaming out,

like a wanderer of burdensome shown

limbs once agile find themselves bound,

in realms where muscles falter and cease to dance


How my loss of motion brings my spirits low

in the silence of stillness my hope falters

within these confines a fire burns out

a flame once resilient that light up the dark


Whispering for the grace of movement

like gentle waves caressing the shore

though my limbs may be still my journey persists

for within still moments my strength rises


Red Wings in Winter

Beneath a tapestry of Minnesota skies

in the hush of winters icy cold woods

sitting on a branch of a snow-covered pine

a scarlet red cardinal spreads its wings


Painting a picture of a breathtaking scene

a symphony of movement from tree to tree

its wings flicker in the golden sunlight, 

feet that carve through the frigid air