One thing that helps me are little 24-hour road trips. Obviously it's unrealistic to take a major vacation. But driving somewhere like 3-4 hours away, staying in a hotel for a night or two, playing tourist, then driving back, always works wonders for me.
I have been feeling the same way recently... a low level malaise that is hard to shake especially when confronted with all the current events each day. Trying to make those little pockets of zen for myself through running, reading and hanging out with my dog who is always happy to do anything.
Music helps. When I feel a little down, besides dragging my wife out for a three-mile walk, I can find “Sina-Drums” on YouTube and listen to this exceptionally-talented musician cover some of my favorite rock-and-roll songs.
Ah, the story of my life. The dark cloud mysteriously, though invisibly, attached to me. Through a combination of therapy, hard work and running (other sports too) I found a degree of peace and acceptance. Still the cloud lingers on the horizon, inviting me into its false shade. Having just turned 76 an amazing number for me , I’m using two quotes: (Grateful Dead, “Sometimes the lights are all shining on me, other times I can barely see, lately it occurs to me, what a long strange trip it has been”). Also, Relentless forward progress.
Terrell, both those quotes have been my North Star since I was in University. All my achievements have proven their worth. Glad you love them also‼️👣‼️
Northwestern Law School ( Chicago). I have been in a "funk" more than a few times in my 78 years. The only thing that helped me was to listen deeply to my heart and figure out where I had gone "off track"...
Terrell, such a great piece, despite the funk. And i relate to the feeling as well, could be a mid-life thing (I’m 54 as well), or just the environment with so much negativity in the press. I also realize that while I enjoy training with a running group (my first time as I’ve said before), sometimes all the instructions feel like a chore and I wake up feeling tired and stressed about running…Hope you find your mojo soon!!
Thanks, Rupa! I so, so get where you're coming from about all the "instructions that feel like a chore." I try to remember this is an avocation, not a vocation, and it's supposed to be something we enjoy, that makes us feel good. It's not work, you know? :) But, everything we see online can nudge us in the direction of making it way more complicated than we need to. Great thoughts.
Thank you for your honesty . We all have been there !! I finally after 2.5 years , started running ( jogging really ) again at 56 and signed up for the gorgeous Bird In Hand 5K Lancaster PA . YOU GOT THIS SEIZE THE DAY TOMORROW !! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings around you as you run
Thank you for sharing this, Terrell. I go through "periods" like this now and again, and for me, it is important that I recognize something is off, so to speak. I try to think of just one thing I can do to move me away from this "down" feeling. Usually, it is something small, like taking a walk on a local preserve or calling my friend, Diane!! I am apt to reflect on things that aren't bringing me joy (I know life is full of ups, downs and in betweens) and wonder if I need to change things up. Those are harder to change. Right now, I am considering "trying out" a different church. What do I have to lose and what might I gain?
Right now I am grateful that I am back to running... 2 weeks now, and I feel so blessed. And boy is it easy to become deconditioned:)
I think I will watch that movie again. It's amazing how it stuck with you. My guess is that I will glean more as I am obviously a lot older... and wiser!!!! HA!
It is SO easy to get de-conditioned, isn't it? I try not to let more than a week go by without a run, but sometimes with work and kids, it just doesn't happen. So glad you have your friend Diane as a partner in exercise -- that's awesome! Let me know how the new church thing goes!
I certainly don’t have answers but definitely feel the same from time to time meditation helps some but on occasion it just makes it worse so for now I just keep moving still unsure if I running towards something or running away 😬 be well Terrell sending good mojo and peaceful thoughts
I love reading all of these comments because it is reinforcing and that I can relate, and I know that there’s nothing
” wrong “ with me. I just signed up for my first paid training, coaching, which I’ve never done before, but I’m feeling like I need a little more guidance, a little more push and a little more accountability.
That said, I’m currently training for a smallish half marathon in South Carolina, Sweet Tea in November .
I had scheduled my long run this morning, but it was misty out and I just didn't have the oomph to go out. Then I read your comments and they gave me the incentive to suit up and go any way.
Had a great run (and I didn't melt) and am looking forward to my speed work tomorrow. Thanks for giving me the boost I needed!
I've been wondering these days whether or not that feeling (the I know what I need to do! the removal of doubt) only occurs when we finally land on that thing that is "the thing."
I just finished listening to Ina Garten's memoir for the second time--which for my money, is one of the best "business books" ever. Ina recounts how when she found herself in a place of "severe funk," she eventually found her way to a therapist who changed her life. (It sounds like this woman has been in her life ever since.) Anyway, her advice to Ina was to NOT jump into anything--but to ask questions, investigate, be curious, and let the universe work its magic. (Universe "working its magic" was not a concept Ina was familiar with or bought into--at least, not at first.) But it worked. And it has continued to work.
I followed Ina's book with a rereading of Martha Beck's "The Way of Integrity"--which says that when we pursue things that are not of our yearning--a chasm is created that prevents us from being whole. (Or, an "integer"--a whole number--which is the meaning of Integrity in Beck's book.)
All that to say--it's taken me a lifetime to realize that what often looks like my equivalent of a "funk," means I'm on the wrong path. Because what I also know is that when I'm on the right path, those blessings Murray alludes to, come my way as well.
I really, really am interested in what you say about Ina Garten and asking questions, being curious about the path forward. (Especially when what might have led us to where we are in the present is, jumping into things too quickly in the past!). I'm going to have to pick up that Martha Beck book too. Thank you, Diana!
Must be something in the air. I've been in a funk lately, too. Objectively, nothing is really wrong, in fact, things in my life are going great! And yet, I'm having a hard time shaking off the malaise. Honestly, sometimes all I need a good sleep. Too many nights in a row of poor sleep tend to sour my mood.
Honestly, that could be it! I might just need better sleep -- it's been eons since I got 8 straight, good hours of sleep, you know? Maybe that's the key.
One thing that helps me are little 24-hour road trips. Obviously it's unrealistic to take a major vacation. But driving somewhere like 3-4 hours away, staying in a hotel for a night or two, playing tourist, then driving back, always works wonders for me.
I like that! Even just getting away for 48 hours can shift our perspective -- totally agree.
I have been feeling the same way recently... a low level malaise that is hard to shake especially when confronted with all the current events each day. Trying to make those little pockets of zen for myself through running, reading and hanging out with my dog who is always happy to do anything.
Music helps. When I feel a little down, besides dragging my wife out for a three-mile walk, I can find “Sina-Drums” on YouTube and listen to this exceptionally-talented musician cover some of my favorite rock-and-roll songs.
Ah, the story of my life. The dark cloud mysteriously, though invisibly, attached to me. Through a combination of therapy, hard work and running (other sports too) I found a degree of peace and acceptance. Still the cloud lingers on the horizon, inviting me into its false shade. Having just turned 76 an amazing number for me , I’m using two quotes: (Grateful Dead, “Sometimes the lights are all shining on me, other times I can barely see, lately it occurs to me, what a long strange trip it has been”). Also, Relentless forward progress.
Thanks for your words.
Thank you, Jerry! I love that -- I'm going to go listen to that song right now!
Terrell, both those quotes have been my North Star since I was in University. All my achievements have proven their worth. Glad you love them also‼️👣‼️
LOVE hearing that, Clark! Where did you go to university, by the way? (And I notice you call it "university" -- was this in Canada or Europe?)
Washington University ( St.Louis)
Northwestern Law School ( Chicago). I have been in a "funk" more than a few times in my 78 years. The only thing that helped me was to listen deeply to my heart and figure out where I had gone "off track"...
Terrell, such a great piece, despite the funk. And i relate to the feeling as well, could be a mid-life thing (I’m 54 as well), or just the environment with so much negativity in the press. I also realize that while I enjoy training with a running group (my first time as I’ve said before), sometimes all the instructions feel like a chore and I wake up feeling tired and stressed about running…Hope you find your mojo soon!!
Thanks, Rupa! I so, so get where you're coming from about all the "instructions that feel like a chore." I try to remember this is an avocation, not a vocation, and it's supposed to be something we enjoy, that makes us feel good. It's not work, you know? :) But, everything we see online can nudge us in the direction of making it way more complicated than we need to. Great thoughts.
Thank you for your honesty . We all have been there !! I finally after 2.5 years , started running ( jogging really ) again at 56 and signed up for the gorgeous Bird In Hand 5K Lancaster PA . YOU GOT THIS SEIZE THE DAY TOMORROW !! Enjoy the beautiful surroundings around you as you run
Right back at you, Dawn! When is the Bird in Hand race?
I love your willingness to share what your going through with clarity and vulnerability.
thank you.
Thanks so much, Cathie! Really appreciate that -- also, I received your interview answers and will publish them soon!
Thank you for sharing this, Terrell. I go through "periods" like this now and again, and for me, it is important that I recognize something is off, so to speak. I try to think of just one thing I can do to move me away from this "down" feeling. Usually, it is something small, like taking a walk on a local preserve or calling my friend, Diane!! I am apt to reflect on things that aren't bringing me joy (I know life is full of ups, downs and in betweens) and wonder if I need to change things up. Those are harder to change. Right now, I am considering "trying out" a different church. What do I have to lose and what might I gain?
Right now I am grateful that I am back to running... 2 weeks now, and I feel so blessed. And boy is it easy to become deconditioned:)
I think I will watch that movie again. It's amazing how it stuck with you. My guess is that I will glean more as I am obviously a lot older... and wiser!!!! HA!
It is SO easy to get de-conditioned, isn't it? I try not to let more than a week go by without a run, but sometimes with work and kids, it just doesn't happen. So glad you have your friend Diane as a partner in exercise -- that's awesome! Let me know how the new church thing goes!
I certainly don’t have answers but definitely feel the same from time to time meditation helps some but on occasion it just makes it worse so for now I just keep moving still unsure if I running towards something or running away 😬 be well Terrell sending good mojo and peaceful thoughts
WOW!!!!!! Thank you for the words and the incentive............exactly what I needed to see!!!!!!!!
You're so welcome, Marianne!
I love reading all of these comments because it is reinforcing and that I can relate, and I know that there’s nothing
” wrong “ with me. I just signed up for my first paid training, coaching, which I’ve never done before, but I’m feeling like I need a little more guidance, a little more push and a little more accountability.
That said, I’m currently training for a smallish half marathon in South Carolina, Sweet Tea in November .
Really want to hear how the coaching goes, Stacy! Also the Sweet Tea Half -- is that in North Augusta, SC?
Summerville SC not far from Charleston
Thanks Terrell, right on the money!
I had scheduled my long run this morning, but it was misty out and I just didn't have the oomph to go out. Then I read your comments and they gave me the incentive to suit up and go any way.
Had a great run (and I didn't melt) and am looking forward to my speed work tomorrow. Thanks for giving me the boost I needed!
Awesome, Ken! That’s what I love to hear!
I've been wondering these days whether or not that feeling (the I know what I need to do! the removal of doubt) only occurs when we finally land on that thing that is "the thing."
I just finished listening to Ina Garten's memoir for the second time--which for my money, is one of the best "business books" ever. Ina recounts how when she found herself in a place of "severe funk," she eventually found her way to a therapist who changed her life. (It sounds like this woman has been in her life ever since.) Anyway, her advice to Ina was to NOT jump into anything--but to ask questions, investigate, be curious, and let the universe work its magic. (Universe "working its magic" was not a concept Ina was familiar with or bought into--at least, not at first.) But it worked. And it has continued to work.
I followed Ina's book with a rereading of Martha Beck's "The Way of Integrity"--which says that when we pursue things that are not of our yearning--a chasm is created that prevents us from being whole. (Or, an "integer"--a whole number--which is the meaning of Integrity in Beck's book.)
All that to say--it's taken me a lifetime to realize that what often looks like my equivalent of a "funk," means I'm on the wrong path. Because what I also know is that when I'm on the right path, those blessings Murray alludes to, come my way as well.
GREAT post. Thank you.
I really, really am interested in what you say about Ina Garten and asking questions, being curious about the path forward. (Especially when what might have led us to where we are in the present is, jumping into things too quickly in the past!). I'm going to have to pick up that Martha Beck book too. Thank you, Diana!
Must be something in the air. I've been in a funk lately, too. Objectively, nothing is really wrong, in fact, things in my life are going great! And yet, I'm having a hard time shaking off the malaise. Honestly, sometimes all I need a good sleep. Too many nights in a row of poor sleep tend to sour my mood.
Honestly, that could be it! I might just need better sleep -- it's been eons since I got 8 straight, good hours of sleep, you know? Maybe that's the key.
Thank you for this, Terrell. Great writing! And I am saving those quotes.
Thanks so much, Janisse! That means a lot, coming from you! 🙌
Well, I meant it. Most writing doesn't keep my attention--I force myself to finish reading a piece--but yours riveted me. TY TY.
This is brilliant. Thanks for the pep talk. Having just returned from travel, I could feel that slide starting. Onward!
Thanks so much, Julie! It's kinda part of the natural circadian rhythm we all go through, isn't it? How was vacation? Where did you go?
Denver and Tahoe (for our niece's wedding). Got my blood-doping session in w/ a 12-mile run at altitude. . . . 😊