Lyndsey,

Sometimes when we keep an odd work schedule, its easy to fall into poor self care habits… not getting enough sleep, not eating well, not taking time to relax and unwind. Our passion fades, and we can’t seem to find it. Said differently, we get stressed, our light goes out, and we don’t know how to rekindle it.

Usually, this is because we’re just looking in the wrong direction. A little TV might be OK, but after awhile it becomes its own stressor, especially when we watch violence or heavy drama. Or, we grab some fast food, comfort food, that is enough calories in a few bites but we eat until our body is full, stuffed, stressed.

Instead, we can take better care of our body, help make it happy. Give it good fuel, enough sleep, and more helpful stress coping activities. For instance, if we hop in a tub with candles, listen to soft music, go for a walk in nature, get some rest, relax, unwind… our light rekindles, and its easier to find our passion. Said differently, if we go too long without healthy self care, stress turns to burnout, and everything looks grey, empty, meaningless. But, as we get better at taking care of ourselves (and others as we can) our light naturally leads the way toward contentment and happiness. Buoyancy.

With warmth,
Matt

Dear Lyndsey,
What you have my dear is precious time and health. You are so young, there are so many things you don’t have to worry about that an older person has to deal with.
You have lots going for you if you train yourself to look at things that way. If we want things to change for the better, some conscious effort need to be made.
For example, a couple years ago, I stopped watching any thing just to pass time. I made it a commitment to only read or watch inspirational materials. We are what to feed all our senses. What we eat, what we watch, what we think, … all work together to create our current state of being. Go out for some walks or jogs – these physical activities are free and yet are so good for us; they always keep me in or lift me to a lighter mood. As for passions, I asked myself the same thing, and it appeared I didn’t have much. You don’t know till you try. So try something out. I now love hiking. I go for long hikes very other weekend. I go ice skating even if I can only move around the rink and can’t do any tricks. What’s important is having some fun time! Try something, volunteer to help someone – anything positive will bring about positive results. You have it within you to become a better you. You are already on the right path reaching out to others here. You will be alright if you keep believing that and making small steps each day toward that goal. Best of luck to you. Namaste!