A couple weeks ago as settled in to work (for my day job), I recognized the kind of feeling I dread. Lack of interest and motivation coupled with sheer fatigue.
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When it comes to my own projects, if this feeling surfaces, I step away, listen to the signal and trust that if I give myself space, I will find my way back when the timing is right. And usually the work is better too.
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Unfortunately, on this particular day I didn’t have the luxury of completely taking a break. There were specific time-sensitive tasks that had to get done.
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So as I stared at my computer screen, it would have been easy to just push through.
And I know that if I get my body and heart aligned, the outcome is always better.
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So, how to do this …
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I first decided to take a walk. I turned on some tunes and headed to my neighborhood coffee shop.
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As I got outside, I noticed the weather. It was kind of a dreary day. It wasn’t raining (yet), but the sidewalks in my neighborhood were definitely a little emptier than usual and that already made me feel more free.
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Then I ordered my favorite treat — an Iced Lavendar Matcha (from Moa Coffee in Astoria). Just as I was leaving, Lizzo’s About Damn Time came through my earbuds and the urge to dance became undeniable.
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Screw being in public!! It was time to move to the beat of my own drummer. I danced all the way down the street back to my house.
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I thought about going back inside — after all a rainstorm was imminent — but my instinct was telling me to go to the park on the corner across the street from my building. So I listened, and wouldn't you know that the park that is usually full of kids playing, with an obnoxious ice cream truck parked (and playing its jingle non-stop) was gloriously almost empty.
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There was a man on the sidewalk adjacent to the park and a woman sitting on the bench with a golf umbrella.
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Otherwise it was all mine.
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It was complete paradise.
I danced like no one was watching as the rain began to come down, slow and gentle at first and then it became a full on downpour.

There may have been a few folks watching but I didn't care. I felt so free.
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And then, I was done.

I had completed moving the energy that needed to be moved within me and I went inside and went back to work.
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BTW- I kept those tunes playing and had a fun, inspired, and productive afternoon. (So much better than pushing through!!)
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I'll leave you with this ... the next time you are feeling unmotivated and uninspired, ask yourself this:
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​Do I want to live a life where I push through unpleasantness, just because I am supposed to?​
​Or would I rather take the time to find my joy and let that infuse everything I do?
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​If you are ready to cultivate more joy, here’s my playlist to inspire a dance sesh of your own.
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Have a restful and restorative weekend!
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Much love,
Natalie
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PS: Was this helpful to you? I love for you to share this email with someone in your life who could benefit. ❤️❤️❤️