what the funk?

How have you been feeling lately? Have you felt you’re in a funk? If so let me start by saying you are not alone! If you are feeling like life has been taking a lot from you, or dulled your sparkle it is not surprising with the collective energy in your current external world.

Perhaps you are feeling the opposite, perhaps this new decade has lead you into new beginnings, perhaps you are not living so much in the external world, but have managed to go deeper into your internal world and surrender to a higher purpose?

Whether you are feeling drained or inspired, there is no doubt that we are all feeling a shift in our worlds both internally and externally. It is impossible to not be affected by the change in our communities and in our environments, what we have seen on television or through social media, or even in our shopping centres has been affecting us.

On a higher level we could predict this new decade would mean change, life is never on pause (even if we are) with life comes change, flow, and sometimes turbulence. We can try to hide from it, or we can surrender into it.

Let me just touch on the word ‘surrender‘ I do not mean surrender as in throw your hands up in the air and say ‘that’s it life, you win I give up, I surrender!‘ When I am referring to surrender I am referring to surrendering into the state of flow, riding the wave, going with the currents, and actually becoming part of the universe. It is about saying “Universe I am ready to learn, I am ready to trust in you and the intuition you have blessed me with. I am ready to accept life is more than material things, or external pleasures. I am ready to accept that if I surrender and trust in you that I will be given a beautiful life. I will discover things I never even knew where possible and wonderful things will come to me that I didn’t even know I wanted. I will have the power to create my life how I want to!”

Today I want to touch base with you, I want you to take a moment before reading on, in fact if you can I suggest pausing right now. I want you to take a few (around 3 to 5) deep breaths, and then I want to request before reading the next paragraph that you get yourself a glass of water, or a warm cuppa, grab a pad and pen, or journal, stretch your body and even go to the toilet so you can return in a moment nice a comfortable…

Welcome back, I hope you have taken some deep breaths and at least a few sips of water or another drink. Please take the time to get really comfortable now, move around in your chair, bed or wherever you are and make sure you are feeling no pressure. I suggest popping your phone on silent.

With your pen and paper I want you to write down what strong emotion you are feeling in this moment, it could be anything from sad, lonely, happy, anything, just the first one that pops into your mind, no pressure.

Now write these questions on your paper and answer as you go through them.

What is causing me to feel this emotion right now? Or, I am feeling this emotion due to…

Did an event unfold that caused me to feel this emotion?

What other emotions are present right now?

I feel . . . about my current life.

Ask yourself. Have I stopped participating in something in my life that used to make me feel fulfilled, or happier?

I used to feel happier when I …?

What things can I actively do to address what is lacking in my life? I can…

What self care practices make me feel good?

I am going to choose 3 self care practices that I will complete this week from the following list or of my own choosing.

Write down the three you have chosen. Ask yourself what do I need to do to feel in touch with my body!

Some advice, DON”T judge yourself for being in a funk! Don’t judge yourself for feeling low, negative self judgement will only take you deep into your funk even more! Honestly can you think of any time you have ever felt better, or gotten yourself out of a negative frame of mind by abusing yourself? Have you ever seen anyone motivate themselves or cheer themselves up by saying horrible things to themselves? You don’t see elite athletes right before they are about to kick a goal, or dive off a podium into the pool saying to themselves “you can’t do this you’re hopeless!” Of course you don’t, they are trained to pumping themselves up before a competition or match with positive affirmations and self belief statements. It is the same for us, we have to be that coach in our own ear saying ‘you CAN do this, or YOU ARE POWERFUL!’

Feeling low and getting into a funk happens to everyone, and I do mean everyone even coaches, athletes and gurus. It is the ability to pull yourself out that is what you need to focus on. Don’t rely on others to always pick you up because if you don’t believe it from yourself you will not believe it from them. This is why the above questions are so important because you need to ask yourself what you can do, and be honest about your feelings.

You also can not rely on external things to always pick you up, yes they can be helpful boosts, but you are aiming for self acceptance and by recognising what makes you feel good is a great start! Especially try to avoid short term things that just help block your feelings for a small time like alcohol or spending more than you can afford online shopping. These short term blocks will only lower your self esteem in the long term. (I am not referring to a couple of drinks, I am referring to drinking a lot every other day).

When working on questions like, what would make me feel more fulfilled? Remember that this comes from within you. Answers the include statements like…

I will feel more fulfilled when my boss gives me a raise.

I will feel more fulfilled when my boyfriend proposes.

I will feel more fulfilled when I live in a massive house,

just won’t help you!

It is great to have healthy goals, but relying on external things or other people to be what makes you happy leaves you powerless, take the power back! Say

I will feel more fulfilled when I go for a run.

I will feel more fulfilled when I accept myself for who I am.

Do you see the difference?

To change our current state we have to focus on our individual power and we have to remember that our future is not written, we have free will and only we have the power and the right to WRITE OUR OWN LIFE STORY! Give yourself back the power, give yourself the attention and energy you need to create the changes you want. This is why trusting your intuition is so important, once you trust yourself to do what is right for you and surrender yourself to your intuition, guides, spirit or whatever you feel comfortable calling it, you will begin to notice that the universe is working with you and you will get our of these funks a lot quicker.

I wrote this above and now I would like you to say it, preferably say it loud and proud, but obviously if you can’t do that then say it in your head. Say it with intention.

“Universe I am ready to learn, I am ready to trust in you and the intuition you have blessed me with. I am ready to accept life is more than material things, or external pleasures. I am ready to accept that if I surrender and trust in you that I will be given a beautiful life. I will discover things I never even knew where possible and wonderful things will come to me that I didn’t even know I wanted. I will have the power to create my life how I want to!”

Feel free to drop any tips in the comments that help you get out of your funk! Please remember that feeling low is ok, this is not a blog post telling you it is not ok to get down, we all do, in fact we feel a range of emotions everyday. This blog post is to help you focus on listening to yourself, surrendering to your intuition and helping yourself get back to feeling those happier emotions so you don’t stay in the funk. If you find yourself in a low mood for days on end that you can not move out of even by using these steps and getting some fresh air please seek professional advice. There are times we all need support!

Love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment or pop by Instagram you can find me @pretty_little_squares_

Sending love and light, Kylie

If you a particular finding isolation hard feel free to message me over on my insta, I am always here to support my beautiful readers. You may also enjoy my previous blog post Feel Connected.

Or try Soul Searching.

Cover Image photograph credit to Anastasia Shuraeva. Pexels.