Feeling stuck? Reflecting on this year and feeling a bit meh about the next one? It’s called languishing, a state of feeling stagnant, aimless and without drive or motivation. It’s usually the result of prolonged physical, emotional, or mental stress.

A prolonged sense of quiet uncertainty lurking beneath one or more aspects of your life, such as your career or your relationship, and where it’s headed, can also lead to a state of languishing.

Continual exposure to stress without adequate coping mechanisms can tilt you into a state of emotional numbness and disconnection. And when you lack meaningful engagement in activities, goals, or connections that previously brought you a sense of purpose or fulfilment, then you can slip into languishing. Monotony and repetitive routines, especially when they lack variety or challenge, can lead to a feeling of stagnation and disinterest.

But.

You can overcome languishing by calling on your inner Muse. This archetype represents your creative nature. It connects and reconnects you to your passion and lust for life. Once you acknowledge your inner Muse, it will inspire and motivate you to remember your creative quest. You can do this by journaling with the Muse archetype. I’ve thrown in a few more prompts than usual because languishing can be a tough one to shift. I recommend that you journal in the order they’re listed below:

Muse Prompt 1

You’re going to start by brainstorming and listing 6 weaknesses and 6 strengths that you associate with the Muse archetype. That’s it. Let this archetype work its magic. How? In the ancient tradition of alchemy, something almost magical happens when elements in opposition are brought together and unified. Transformation occurs when positive and negative forces coalesce because of a third, catalytic agent. That catalyst is your spirit. The result? Inspiration, insights and a way forward.

Muse Prompt 2

Acknowledge your languishing inner Muse. Recognise your feelings of languishing by naming and listing them. Then identify the opposite of what it means to languish as a way to explore its potential. Acknowledging this state and the feelings associated with it is one of the first steps toward addressing it.

Muse Prompt 3

Demand less from your inner Muse when you’re languishing. Set micro-goals for your creativity. Break your creative goals into smaller, achievable tasks. Smaller victories create a sense of accomplishment and progress.

Muse Prompt 4

Explore new activities with your Muse. Make a list of activities that might challenge or interest you. Then try a new hobby, exercise, or learn a new skill to add interest and enthusiasm to your life.

Muse Prompt 5

Connect with the Muse in others. How can you foster more meaningful relationships? What can you do to inspire others on their creative quest? Connecting with friends, family, or communities can provide you with support and a sense of belonging. Tell a trusted friend, colleague or family member that you’re languishing. Seek professional help once you (or they) recognise you may need it. Therapy or counselling can provide you with tools and support to navigate through feelings of languishing.

Muse Prompt 6

Be more present with your inner Muse. Practice mindfulness. How can you be more present, more often? Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing, can help manage stress and bring a sense of presence to daily life. Write an affirmation you can use to reconnect with the strength of your inner Muse for those times when you feel overwhelmed by a sense of languishing. You can refer to your list of strengths (see Muse Prompt 1) to assist you.

Muse Prompt 7

Create structure and routine to honour your inner Muse. While monotony might contribute to languishing, having a balanced routine with variations and purposeful activities can bring a sense of order and direction. Create structure by designing routine that you can use to bring a sense of order and direction to your life once you recognise that you’re languishing. What will you commit to?

When I know I’m languishing, I rely on my routine of journaling, walking, yoga, relaxation, meditation, and reading to fill me up on days when I’m not working. On days I’m working, I try to do at least 2 of these activities to maintain my relationship with my inner Muse.

Muse Prompt 8

Practice self-compassion. How can you be kind to yourself when you feel stuck or unmotivated? It’s normal to experience periods of low motivation. It’s also possible to get through these periods and to learn from them. Describe how your life might appear once you’ve overcome this period of languishing. What could you be learning from languishing? How will you continue to maintain your relationship with your inner Muse?

The key to moving through a state of languishing is to embrace your inner Muse. Your inner Muse is a way into, and out of, languishing. You will languish at times, but when you honour your inner Muse, you can move through it. And your inner Muse will be right there for you next time.