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.
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.
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"...
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
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 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!
Still hot and dry here. Slipped down to 89 degrees. There were a few claps of thunder the other night and maybe 3 or 4 raindrops! It's a start! Glad to see the South is cooling down, :) Maybe things will change here too! Looking forward to running in October! I've got a long ways to go if I hope to run even a 5K! Thanks for your reply! I know you understand. That helps more than you know! :)
Hi Terrell, thanks as always for your candor and excellent writing. It's funny, a friend also recently posted about Dances With Wolves. Maybe it's a sign that we're all yearning for that frontier. I've been hearing a lot of people describe what you're feeling: that pesky malaise with no discernible source. I think most of us know the things that are bothering us, but we're just not sure what to do about it. In any event, running continues to be the supreme elixir, especially when combined with thoughtful community such as this one. Peace.
I have spent most of this year in this place, both disassociated and disconnected from myself and the world around me. My running has taken a heavy hit, and spending five weeks traveling this summer has done nothing to make it better. I too, am kind of starting from scratch again. I’m finally back In Spain and went out for 2 miles yesterday which felt pretty good despite the heat. Slowly building back up and taking advantage of momentum where I have it, but not beating myself up when I don’t. I’m old enough to know that it’s just ultimately not worth it, and without a strong motivating goal there’s no reason to punish myself over nothing. The only thing that motivates me right now is fear of physical decline and aging, but it’s barely enough to keep the existing standard where it’s at.
I've been in a funk for quite awhile--ever since I was moved from my trail in Washington down to this place in Oregon. I feel like I've been walking on eggs since I was moved here and into a house with people that don't allow me to be myself. I don't like it, but I don't quite know what to do about it either! It's a weird feeling. I have been able to refresh some body weight exercises in spite of my wrist still healing which helps me a lot. Also signed up for a 5K on Nov. 23rd.that I've done before here in Eugene. . . (Run to Stay Warm) in which I placed 3rd 2 years ago. Maybe things will change soon. It has been a hot and dry summer--99 degrees the last time I looked. The weather outlook is for Thunderstorms later in the week. I hope they are right! Take care! We can always look forward to tomorrow ! :)
Nilima, I've been thinking about your post above since I saw it a couple of days ago... I'm so bummed for you that this is happening. Is there any way to bring some new people into your life that maybe allow you to be yourself more? Not knowing the specifics, it's hard to say what the solution might be, other than before I met my wife now, I was married once before and so I may know a little of what you're going through. It can be so hard, can't it?
How is the weather out there now? You won't believe it, but it's 62 degrees here as I write this to you. Probably just a "false fall," but I'll take it! Should be perfect here in October for the 10-miler!
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 .
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.
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.
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"...
Agreed!:)
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!
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 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!
Still hot and dry here. Slipped down to 89 degrees. There were a few claps of thunder the other night and maybe 3 or 4 raindrops! It's a start! Glad to see the South is cooling down, :) Maybe things will change here too! Looking forward to running in October! I've got a long ways to go if I hope to run even a 5K! Thanks for your reply! I know you understand. That helps more than you know! :)
Hi Terrell, thanks as always for your candor and excellent writing. It's funny, a friend also recently posted about Dances With Wolves. Maybe it's a sign that we're all yearning for that frontier. I've been hearing a lot of people describe what you're feeling: that pesky malaise with no discernible source. I think most of us know the things that are bothering us, but we're just not sure what to do about it. In any event, running continues to be the supreme elixir, especially when combined with thoughtful community such as this one. Peace.
I have spent most of this year in this place, both disassociated and disconnected from myself and the world around me. My running has taken a heavy hit, and spending five weeks traveling this summer has done nothing to make it better. I too, am kind of starting from scratch again. I’m finally back In Spain and went out for 2 miles yesterday which felt pretty good despite the heat. Slowly building back up and taking advantage of momentum where I have it, but not beating myself up when I don’t. I’m old enough to know that it’s just ultimately not worth it, and without a strong motivating goal there’s no reason to punish myself over nothing. The only thing that motivates me right now is fear of physical decline and aging, but it’s barely enough to keep the existing standard where it’s at.
I've been in a funk for quite awhile--ever since I was moved from my trail in Washington down to this place in Oregon. I feel like I've been walking on eggs since I was moved here and into a house with people that don't allow me to be myself. I don't like it, but I don't quite know what to do about it either! It's a weird feeling. I have been able to refresh some body weight exercises in spite of my wrist still healing which helps me a lot. Also signed up for a 5K on Nov. 23rd.that I've done before here in Eugene. . . (Run to Stay Warm) in which I placed 3rd 2 years ago. Maybe things will change soon. It has been a hot and dry summer--99 degrees the last time I looked. The weather outlook is for Thunderstorms later in the week. I hope they are right! Take care! We can always look forward to tomorrow ! :)
Nilima, I've been thinking about your post above since I saw it a couple of days ago... I'm so bummed for you that this is happening. Is there any way to bring some new people into your life that maybe allow you to be yourself more? Not knowing the specifics, it's hard to say what the solution might be, other than before I met my wife now, I was married once before and so I may know a little of what you're going through. It can be so hard, can't it?
How is the weather out there now? You won't believe it, but it's 62 degrees here as I write this to you. Probably just a "false fall," but I'll take it! Should be perfect here in October for the 10-miler!
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