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| Photo by LS Monocicio. |
I do suffer a little seasonal depression in January and February.
However, this time I perceive a little generational perspective.
"Been there, done that."
"Nothing new under the sun."
I've cycled through a number of obsessions. I've been passionate about a lot of things. Consequently, everything seems to be a repetition of something I've already experienced. I don't have any drive.
This is probably a first world problem, or a landed gentry 19th Century problem. For this reason, I'm thinking of a word that reached its peak in the era of drawing rooms and salons:
Ennui -- from the same origin as "annoyed."
Both words are condensed from a phrase:
mihi in odio est
You might see the root for "odious" there. Loosely translated, it means "It's distasteful to me."
Listless, languid, restless, bored.
I'm hoping spring snaps me out of this condition. I certainly don't wish that tragedy does.
In the meantime, here is one of the neologisms from The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows. I applaud the John Koenig for creating new words for complex feelings.
(Click on the image below for a link to the video.)
(Click on the image below for a link to the video.)
Karen, this has been a long and difficult season for me and my friends. We have discussed what you call "midlife ennui." Sometimes a person feels so weary, you don't even have the energy to look for answers. One thing I've discovered is I have to watch my diet more closely. I had to increase my protein, citrus and leafy greens. Another new development for me is making and eating fermented cabbage. I've taken probiotic supplements for several years, but started reading about how fermented vegetables can actually transform the stomach and improve digestion, to maximize absorption of nutrients. It's supposed to encourage the growth of good bacteria,also. Actually, I'd watched how to make fermented cabbage on Youtube years ago, but never tried it until this winter. I was tired of feeling tired. I followed the instructions and now eat half a cup per day. Maybe it's psychological, as well as physical, but I have felt much improved. It might not work for others, but I wanted to share what has helped me. Karen, spring is coming. I appreciate your honesty and wish you well!
ReplyDeletePam: I agree that diet can make a big difference in mood. I did eat a lot of kimchee last week, but I could increase the number of fermented veggies I consume.
DeleteI've had the experience of boredom in late winter, and am convinced it has to do with the darkness we experience here (Pacific North West) in the winter. Spring is here, and already it feels so much better. Hope you have a "spring resurgence" as well!
ReplyDeleteI did some gardening yesterday, which was refreshing. But it's cloudy and rainy today. Hoping for some sun soon. Thanks for the comment.
DeleteOh dear...I have been a bit that way and it is spring. I feel as if I am treading water and not accomplishing anything worthwhile. I get a lot done, but so what? Maybe I need to do some research on this and just because we are middle class does not mean it is a no-brainer.
ReplyDeleteI'm going on a road trip soon. Maybe that will get me out of this funk. All my best to you, Tabor!
DeleteI'm sure Spring will refresh you and you'll be back to normal before you know it - we're in Autumn and I'm enjoying every minute of it before Winter descends in all its gloom and rain.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen! Sorry to hear you've had a bad case of the blahs. I think we all get them now and then. I like to think they are just our spirit telling us to be gentle with ourselves, eat right, exercise when possible and generally go "internal" instead of rushing around externally. I'm sure you will come out of it soon, and probably with a renewed sense of hope and direction. Hang in there! ~Kathy
ReplyDeleteI seem to feel the same, and exercise always helps. Do I always do it? Not a chance, but I will do it tomorrow! : ) Love and light to you.
ReplyDeleteNice weather may help elevate your mood. I know it does for me. Hang in there. Hugs to you.
ReplyDelete