Listen

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and alignment with one's true desires to avoid soul-deep distress signals like depression and anxiety.

Abstract

The text suggests that consistent actions reflect true values and desires, and failure to act on long-term wishes may indicate a disconnect between what one thinks they want and what they truly desire. It posits that the authentic self must be distinguished from societal pressures, as neglecting one's genuine needs can lead to psychological and emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and a sense of disconnection from one's purpose. The article encourages attentiveness to early signs of discontent, such as fatigue and irritability, advocating for mindful listening to one's inner self, children, and others as a means to live authentically and fulfill one's purpose.

Opinions

Mark Manson's perspective is referenced to highlight the difference between genuinely wanting something and merely enjoying the idea of wanting it.
The article asserts that persistent procrastination on a task suggests a lack of genuine desire for it, despite feeling compelled by societal or external expectations.
It is believed that the soul communicates through negative emotional and psychological states when one's life lacks meaning or purpose.
The author draws a parallel between a child's challenging behaviors as a call for connection and the soul's distress signals as a plea for help.
The text suggests that early detection of one's soul's cry for change is possible through stillness and self-reflection.
The article emphasizes the necessity of listening to one's true self, children, and each other to foster a more authentic and purposeful life.

Your soul is calling

If you want to know what you value look at what you do consistently.

Mark Manson explained it best when he wrote:

If you find yourself wanting something month after month, year after year, yet nothing happens and you never come any closer to it, then maybe what you actually want is a fantasy, an idealization, an image and a false promise. Maybe what you want isn’t what you want, you just enjoy wanting. Maybe you don’t actually want it at all.

If you don’t do that thing that has been on your to-do list for three months and you continue to make excuses it’s because you don’t. really. want. it.

Meaning you, your authentic self, doesn’t really want it.

You, the worldly self, the one who wants to fit in and not disappoint people, you do it because you feel you should or that you have to.

But if you trudge along doing what you should do for long enough your soul will cry out to you for change.

And those cries can’t be ignored. Depression. Anxiety. Lack of energy. Lack of motivation. Living on autopilot. Feeling like your soul is dying.

Your soul is not dying. Your soul is crying out to you for help. It’s doing it in the only way it knows how.

Just as your child cries out for help when their need for connection is unmet through whining, sass, hitting, or some other behavior she uses to try to get you to understand she needs your reassurance she is safe and worthy of love.

Your child’s behavior is her desperate attempt to communicate to you in the only way she knows how she is hurting.

In the same way, your soul wants to let you know when you’re hurting. When the piece of you yearning for meaning is unfulfilled. When you know deep inside that you are not living your purpose.

Your soul lets you know in the only way it can.

The signs start small. Feeling more tired. Feeling snappy.

You can catch it early if you are still and centered long enough to notice.

That’s why we, as humanity, have to listen. To ourselves. Our true selves. To our children. And to each other.

Your soul is calling. Are you listening?