KimJungDoh
My #SilentSunday #today After internet searches about losing motivation to do anything, I am sitting in silence. Mental health experts say that I should do something, make a change, go after what I want and desire, connect with people, and take small steps. All that takes motivation, desire, and a good answer to the question, “Why?” …I have no answer right now. Can anyone tell me why I should try when I feel safe in my silence? (I see the problem of asking a community when I am a recluse)
Jan 22, 2023 at 3:46pmWeb
Show threadMr. Funk E. Dude 🍑💨Jan 22, 2023

@doh because true growth can't happen in stagnant water. It's only when we step outside of our comfort zones that we learn to grow and flourish.

Would you ask a small child why it crawls and doesn't try to walk?

Would you suggest that the young person who has a crush on someone not to pursue love because they are afraid?

Comfort is a two edge sword. While it makes us feel safe, it can also hold us back.

Show threadKimJungDohJan 22, 2023
@Mrfunkedude Thanks for responding and offering that sage advice. I really appreciate it. At my age, I have crawled and walked, and ran and flew. I want to sit now.
Show threadMr. Funk E. Dude 🍑💨Jan 22, 2023

@doh I get what you mean, still... try to find opportunities to challenge yourself. Not only can it have positive psychological benefits, but it can also help your brain not become so rigged that you struggle to learn new things.

You can slow down. I'm sure you deserve it. Just don't slow down so much that you stop growing.

Show threadNick 'The Viking'Jan 22, 2023

@doh

IMO this is a very safe place in which to explore and find something that excites you.

Would you agree?

Show threadKimJungDohJan 22, 2023
@nlarson830 Thanks for responding, and yes. I’ve gotten varied opinions and it is still safe.
Show threadNick 'The Viking'Jan 22, 2023

@doh

Welcome!
People's opinions are skewed by what they expected to find here.

I didn't *expect* anything in particular coming here, I was told by people I trust that this was a good place to be. And I'd say it is 99% good here.

One thing I've found here is that my reaction is more:

"Wow! That's cool I never knew there was such a thing!"

more than

"Wow. I never knew that such a foul thing existed. That's horrible."

Show threadLinking DotJan 22, 2023
@doh A psychiatrist I saw at one time told me something that stuck with me. I had written a note to self about about going forward or back rather than just “standing there.” He said, Why not stand there? Sometimes we just need to pause.
Show threadKat PhoenixJan 22, 2023

@doh

The fact that you are asking (mental health experts, internet searches, Mastodon) says that it may not be a 'motivation' issue...

Why don't you feel safe outside your 'silence'?

What would make you feel safe outside of it? (Move towards that. Find that. Use that as your 'motivation'.) For ex. If its the quiet and lack of people that makes you feel safe, find a park to visit...

Use that silence as a shield. And retreat to it (internally or externally) when necessary.