Growing Weariness

What is it to "Grow Weary"?

To grow is to increase in amount over time, thus it is a process. When we 'grow' in weariness, we are becoming increasingly fatigued.

How do we grow weary?

Weariness is most times seen in the physical, but it also reaches further than this. Weariness can come from worrying about tomorrow, from not getting a 'reset', or simply from over-committing. We say yes to things without thinking about the long term consequences. We are a generation of the now. And day-by-day, we make small decisions that end up leaving us feeling burdened.

Most times we will start off okay, because we have support systems. We have religion, spirituality, success, friends, family, among other things that keep our spirits up. But with time of not dealing with the real depths of our hearts and souls, the heaviness of our suppressed burdens will manifest itself.

For the physical weariness, most times a good night's rest will suffice. But what about that constant lack of enthusiasm? The fatigue that- even after a caffeine cram- leaves you feeling listless? The bad decisions, the outbursts, the mood swings? Maybe this is indicative of something going on a lot deeper.

And here we are, soaked in so deeply that we fear facing another day. Our minds are constantly busy, our emotions are all over the place. We feel such weights on our shoulders and, all that used to keep us afloat, we now no longer have the time for. We feel we are failing, so our success no longer motivates us. We blame others, yet when we need help we do not ask. Our days feel so cluttered that we start living our lives alone. No communicating with our loved ones- well at least not about the real things. A constant, never-ending routine. Nothing seems to allow us a break from the seemingly impossible situations we are faced with.

Lexow, T., 2020. An Invitation for the Weary. [online] Tamaralexow.com. Available at: <https://tamaralexow.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/weary-woman_-580x303.jpg>

How do we get back to before this?

We need to take a moment and commit to helping ourselves, as well as to realize that negative feelings exist. This cannot necessarily be done by just sleeping more, or meditating, or taking a long walk on the beach. We cannot simply turn to OTC medication as the solution, nor can we use alcohol or other suppressants. We need to aim at uprooting the problem, not masking it.

We can do this in many different ways. But first, we need to identify where the problem is. 

(If you are waiting for me to give you a list of foods to eat or mindfulness podcasts to tune in to, then I apologize for possibly disappointing you. This is not that black and white.)

You need to tap into the background noise, the place where your hope, dreams and peace has gone and gotten lost. Maybe you have been pushed aside before, you feel forgotten and unnoticed. Maybe things have been changing so fast and now it seems you have no control over your own life. Start by finding what caused you to sink into this place and decide on ways to get out of it. Change what you can.

You need to reach back into your spirituality- or maybe just what gives meaning to your life. Maybe you never had religious- or  spiritual- beliefs. But there must be something you believe in.

Start saying 'No'. You have power over majority of the things you do, so start analysing what you are committing to, e.g. do a pros and cons list. Start re-evaluating your end goal and the choices you make now to get there.

Start focusing on the good. Draw up a list of accomplishments to remind yourself that you can succeed.

And yes, there are diets to follow to boost physical health. Cut down on caffeine and alcohol. Eat regular, small portions of balanced meals. Get active, whether physically or mentally- go for a walk or read a book. Reduce stress. There are various meditation techniques- there are even meditation apps now.

You need to stop just existing, and start living. Your life, your choices, your well-being, it all matters. You matter.