How To Spark Your Zeal When You Feel Sadness
Sadness can settle deep into the corners of our hearts, often feeling heavy and overwhelming.
Over the years, I've felt it in many forms—through personal heartbreak, the exhaustion of carrying too much, moments of disconnection, and even the deep ache of witnessing the pain in the world. Lately, my heart has been especially heavy with the devastating fires in LA. Watching the destruction unfold—families displaced, homes and businesses reduced to ashes, and nature engulfed in flames—is truly heartbreaking.
When sadness comes, it feels like I'm caught in a giant storm that won't let up. ⛈️ It's hard to see where I'm going and I want it to stop long enough to catch my breath, but it feels like the storm will never end; I've become lost from my zeal, and I'm struggling to find my way back.
I used to think that feeling the heaviness of sadness meant I was weak, but now I know it's okay to feel this way—it's part of being human and a sign that I care deeply. I've also learned that instead of struggling against it, I need to focus on caring for my mind, body and spirit. When I do this, the weight begins to lift, and I can regain strength. Then, little by little, I can slowly catch my breath. Bit by bit, hope returns, and I find my way back to my zeal (which is always there waiting for me for it's never truly lost.)
Now, when I feel the heaviness of sadness, I ground and nurture myself by doing something simple, yet sacred.
Sometimes, I write a Zeal Letter, pouring out everything I feel onto the page to release what's weighing heavily on my heart. ✍️
Other times, I go for a walk in the park. The scent of the air, the gentle sound of the rustling leaves, and the feel of the earth beneath my feet ground me. 🌿
Music is another way I find comfort. I listen to a favorite song and move my body to it, becoming lighter with each movement. 🎶
And when sadness feels too much to bear alone, I reach out to others—a trusted friend, a loved one, or even the words of a familiar book. ❤️
If you're feeling the heaviness from sadness right now, please know you're not alone. 🫶 Take some time to care for yourself and connect with something that soothes your spirit. Breathe deeply, write a Zeal Letter, step outside, listen to your favorite song, or let yourself sit and feel what's there without judgment.
Remember, sadness is a passing storm. It may feel like the clouds will never part, but they will. Soon, the sun will shine again. And just as the sun returns, you will find your way back to your zeal - steady and bright, ready to guide you forward. ☀️
ZEAL AFFIRMATION
“Even in sadness, my zeal is never lost. It remains a steady light and flame within me, always there to guide me forward.”
This affirmation is a gentle reminder that we're never disconnected from our inner strength and light, even in the depths of sadness. It reassures us that our zeal—our passion, purpose, and vitality—is not extinguished by challenging emotions but remains steady, like a quiet flame. This constant presence of zeal provides hope and guidance, reminding us that sadness is a passing state, not a permanent one. By affirming that our zeal is always within us, we honor our emotions without losing sight of the resilience and light that will guide us forward.
