Feel like Something's Missing?: Tips to Reconnect, Realign, & Rejuvenize
I’ve seen it a million times… someone comes to me stressed out and unsure of themselves because they’ve done everything they thought they should do, but they still aren’t feeling excited to wake up every morning. Something’s missing, but they don’t know what, and trying to figure it out has been driving them crazy.
I’ve seen it a million times because it happens a million times! We’ve all been sold this lie that if we do everything society says and take the same steps that everyone else takes, we’ll be happy. This doesn’t always work because it leaves out one important piece of information: we aren’t all the same.
Here are some tips on what to do when you feel like something is missing in your life.
Understand Where Your Happiness Comes From
What makes the woman next to you happy and excited could be your biggest nightmare. For example, I absolutely love public speaking. I love to get in front of a group of people and share stories of how I found my true path in life. But for someone else, public speaking sounds like the absolute worst way to spend their day.
If you want to achieve true happiness, you have to do more of what makes you happy. It’s just that simple.
Since the more I speak in front of a crowd and interact with new people, the happier I am, I should aim to do more of that (and I am in 2024!). For someone who has a fear of public speaking but loves connecting with familiar people in a one-on-one setting, they should do less in front of crowds and focus more on one-on-one connections
Remember Who You Are
So many times, you focus on what you should be and forget who you really are. You can’t achieve true happiness in life if you are so focused on being who others want you to be instead of being who you are.
If you’re feeling disconnected from something, it could be because that thing is no longer for you. It no longer fits the person you’ve grown to be. Sit down and check in with yourself to see if the steps you’re taking are truly the ones you want to take
Allow Yourself to Rest
I saw a tweet from Jean Yang once that said, “When you feel like everyone hates you, sleep. When you feel like you hate everyone, eat. When you feel like you hate yourself, shower.” and it could not be closer to the truth!
Sometimes, when you feel totally out of alignment, it’s just because your body needs something. Maybe it’s rest, a snack, a shower, an exercise class, a good book, or a talk with a friend. Whatever makes you feel the most relaxed, comfortable, and well-rested should be what you turn to when you’re feeling out of sorts.
Realize Your Values
One thing we’re definitely leaving in the pre-pandemic world? Putting ourselves last! So many of us, especially as women, have been conditioned to put everyone and everything before ourselves.
Not anymore! Now we’re putting ourselves first. We’re maintaining a balanced diet of foods that make us feel good. We’re moving our bodies. We’re getting enough sleep, and we’re seeking out support when needed.
Look at Who You're Surrounding Yourself With
Your support system, or lack thereof, can really impact your satisfaction and fulfillment in life. Take a look at your current entourage. Are they supportive of your goals or do they make them seem silly?
If you aren’t surrounded by supportive and empowering people, it’s time to reevaluate your relationships. You should be with people who believe in you, uplift you, and inspire you to be your best.
Seek Professional Help
If you’re still struggling to find out what is missing in your life, there’s absolutely no shame in seeking professional help. Sometimes, you really need a diagnosis and a set treatment plan, and that’s the time for therapy.
Other times, if you’re like I was in the past, you find that there isn’t really a “problem” to solve but you’re still looking at areas of your life to improve. I needed guidance on how to gain that sense of clarity that would help me build a framework for success and happiness in my life, and I wish I had known about coaching 10 years ago. If this sounds like something you need too, I built those evidence-based learnings into my self-paced online coaching program.
Trust That You Can Find Happiness
Above all else, know that you are not alone. You are not the only person feeling this way. And with the guidance of Forward in Heels, you will find the path that was truly meant for you.
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