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Embracing Ennui | A Reflection on Finding Balance

Updated: Aug 9

Here's a collection of our videos and picture reflections on social media for today. Enjoy your time to reflect and contemplate in your mood journal.


Reflecting on the Journey to Achieving Balance


Today I want to share a personal story that I think many of you might relate to. It’s about those moments when life seems to be rushing by at lightning speed, and you find yourself caught in the whirlwind of constant activity.


Last Thursday afternoon was one of those days for me. My to-do list seemed never-ending, and every task demanded my immediate attention. Emails piled up, meetings loomed, and social obligations beckoned. I was in the thick of it, trying to juggle it all and keep up the facade of being on top of things.


But around mid-afternoon, something unexpected happened. Despite my best efforts to keep up, I hit a mental roadblock. Staring at my screen, I realized I couldn’t focus anymore. The words blurred together, and my mind felt like it was swimming in a sea of deadlines. It was as if my brain had decided it had reached its limit.


Instead of pushing through as I normally would, I made a decision. I closed my laptop, grabbed my office keys, and left my house. I wandered through the Coastal road near our subdivision, feeling disoriented yet oddly liberated. Eventually, I stumbled upon a quiet park that I hadn’t visited in ages.


Sitting on a bench under an old tree, I did something that felt completely foreign to me—I did nothing. I let myself be still, surrounded by the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant hum of waves (yes, I’m near at sea). It felt uncomfortable at first, almost unnatural. I kept thinking about all the things I should be doing to stay ahead.


But gradually, something shifted. As I sat there, letting the minutes pass without any agenda, I started to feel a sense of peace wash over me. It was as if my body and mind were finally getting the break they had been silently craving.


In that moment of stillness, I had a realization. The constant drive to be competitive and always on top has taken its toll on me. I had been measuring my worth by how much I could accomplish in a day, rather than acknowledging my own need for rest and reflection.


I remembered a quote I once read by Norm Kelly: "You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” It struck a chord with me because, in that park, doing nothing became a powerful act of self-care.


Remember that

Even when we're in our lowest moments of Ennui...

We are still valuable.

We are cherished.

We are loved.


A Reflection on Finding Balance - Ennui
Embracing the Moments of Ennui

I feel peaceful and relaxed.


When I finally returned home, I approached my tasks with a renewed perspective. I didn’t rush through them mindlessly. Instead, I prioritized what truly mattered and let go of the rest. The break hadn’t magically solved all my problems, but it had given me clarity and a newfound appreciation for balance.


So, here’s my takeaway from that day: Embracing moments of ennui can be a gift in disguise, especially for those of us who are driven by competition and the desire to always be on top. It’s okay to hit pause, to breathe, and to remember that our worth isn’t solely defined by our productivity. Sometimes, the most productive thing we can do is to give ourselves the space to recharge.


I hope this resonates with some of you who might be feeling overwhelmed or caught up in the relentless pursuit of success. Remember, it’s okay to step back and take a breather. You might just find the clarity and strength you’ve been searching for all along.




Closing Thought


In our crazy busy lives, it’s so easy to get caught up in the race, always chasing the next goal without taking a breather. When I finally let myself embrace that feeling of ennui—just sitting quietly in a park and doing nothing—it was surprisingly refreshing. I felt like I could finally catch my breath and think again.


We often push ourselves to keep moving, but taking time to simply be still can be incredibly rejuvenating. Allowing yourself to step away from the hustle and bustle provides a much-needed break, helping you to reset and gain perspective.


So, I’ve got some questions for you:


  1. When was the last time you paused and let yourself relax?

  2. Do you ever find yourself valuing your worth based on how much you get done?

  3. What would happen if you gave yourself more time to recharge and take care of yourself?

  4. Have you ever had those moments of ennui in your life? If so, how did you face your moments of ennui?



To make the most of these quiet moments, consider tools that support reflection and calm. For example, Emoli Cards, which Coach Ignatius has partnered with The School of Emotions to promote, offer valuable insights into understanding your emotions and appreciating the importance of downtime.


Although I don’t have Emoli Cards myself yet, I’m planning to get them to further support my journey towards finding calm and clarity in everyday life.


They also offer Emotions-Based Coaching, which combines insights from Emoli Cards with immersive tools like Calm3D and life coaching sessions. This approach can help you integrate moments of stillness into your routine and use them to enhance your emotional well-being.


Taking time to embrace stillness and quiet can be surprisingly refreshing. It helps you step back from the chaos, think more clearly, and find balance. Discover their bundled promotion here to enhance your journey toward a more peaceful and reflective life.





Reflections by Bev Cuayzon

Bev, a devoted mother at heart, finds joy in working from home. Balancing her roles as a travel consultant, self-published author, and SEO analyst, she's deeply passionate about sharing her knowledge to empower others, particularly fellow mothers. During her journey, Bev discovered the importance of mental wellness. She realized that maintaining a healthy mind is essential for navigating the demands of work, family, and personal pursuits.


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