When You’re Feeling “Blah”

This morning I have a case of the “blahs.”

You know what I mean?

You feel uninspired. Unimaginative. Unmotivated. It’s sort of a bland, humdrum type of feeling. Not discouraged. But not excited.

“Blah” is when you feel stuck, stagnated, and static. It may be physical, mental or emotional.

My morning didn’t begin that way.

We’re on the way to Martinsville, VA for a gospel meeting and spent the night at the Hampton Inn in Florence, SC. I had a wonderful night’s rest. Woke up about 5 AM. Went to the lobby for coffee. And sat down to write my blog for today.

That’s when I started feeling the “blahs.” Nothing was happening. So, when I feel a writing block, I have several mechanisms to help “prime the pump.” None were working. Two hours later, I’m still drinking coffee. Eating muffins. And staring at a blank computer screen.

That’s when I identified and diagnosed my problem. I’ve got the “blahs.” Yep. That’s it.

Two things came to mind.

First, since yesterday was Columbus Day, I was reminded of a frequent entry in his log book as he sailed in search of “The New World.” While we often think of his exploration as adventurous and exciting, often the days were mundane and monotonous, as he indicated by a single, simple entry, “Today, we sailed on.”

Some days are like that. You just “sail on.” Move forward. Do what you must do whether it is exciting or not. In my case, I need to drive on–to finish the journey to Martinsville. And get ready for the upcoming meeting.

My second thought was a quote, attributed to psychologist O. H. Mowrer. “It’s easier to act yourself into a better way of feeling than feel yourself into a better way of acting.”

In other words, force the action. Do something. Hmm, I thought, “I’ll write about the “blahs.” Now, this post may not resonate with you, but it’s helped me.

Furthermore, I am reminded that “Today is the day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it” (Ps. 118:24). While not every day is filled with incredible discoveries or mountain top experiences, it’s another day to be faithful. To serve the Lord. To acknowledge His grace and goodness. To be thankful.

I choose not to languish in the “blahs.” While much of the day will involve ordinary activities, I will enjoy the gift of life. Pray. Read. Reflect. And spend some quality traveling time with “the wife of my youth.”

Now, on to the breakfast bar for something more substantial. And wait for Norma Jean to join me and proof this blog before I click “publish” with a bunch of mistakes.

Hopefully, there’s a little nugget in this post that will offer you some help and hope if you’re fighting the “blahs.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman