EMBRACE BOREDOM

Boredom. We all experience it at various points in our lives. Some more frequently than others. However, the way that we choose to interpret the feelings relating to boredom will ultimately determine the actions we take and the resulting outcome of our future.

A common misconception is that boredom is a lack of something to do. Such as when children exclaim that they are bored. However, when you offer suggestions for other activities, nothing seems to be able to satisfy them as they reject every option you give them.

But boredom is not limited to children. Adults have times when apathy firmly takes hold and nothing seems to be able to turn around that uncomfortable feeling that makes us feel empty. Where any opportunity available to us is unable to fill that void.

Most of the time, we tend to believe that boredom is bad as it makes us feel disengaged and uninterested in the world around us. However, more than likely it is a way for life to let us know that the path we are on is quite possibly the wrong one. That something needs to change.

At times, we try to abate boredom by scrolling through various social media platforms, mindlessly disengaging from our own lives to have a look at how other people are living theirs. Or we might turn to Netflix or another streaming service to binge-watch movies or endless episodes of television shows from the past. Sometimes we grab a book to read, but soon find that it also doesn’t seem to help. Particularly, if the book lacks interest and you are simply reading it in order to finish it.

Rather than fight it, we should embrace boredom. Try to understand it and see what lessons we can learn from it. Find something where we feel engaged. Try something new. Sit in silence with your thoughts. Go for a walk, even if it’s the last thing you want to do. Or simply write down your thoughts. Just the act of writing can have that meaning of accomplishment. Of being committed to something.

At the end of the day, if nothing works, go to sleep and try again the following day. Use the night as a reset, and perhaps our dreams will reveal a glimpse of the meaning we seek.