Daily Motivation 023

"You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or stuck. After years of living your life in survival mode, you are exhausted. There’s a difference." - Nakeia Homer

Have you ever looked at your life and felt like you’re just…tired? Like no matter how much you want to get things done, a deep exhaustion holds you back? It’s easy to label ourselves as lazy or unmotivated, but here’s something to consider: if you’ve been living in survival mode for a long time, you’re not lazy—you’re exhausted. And there’s a huge difference.

Survival mode is a state we enter when we’re dealing with ongoing stress, challenges, or trauma. When we’re just trying to get through each day, it’s not about thriving or achieving goals; it’s about simply making it. Over time, living like this drains us emotionally, mentally, and even physically. Tasks that might seem “small” to others can feel monumental, and finding the energy to take on new things can feel impossible.

Understanding this can be a game-changer because it reframes the story we tell ourselves. Instead of saying, “I’m not trying hard enough,” we can recognize the immense effort it takes just to keep going. Surviving is hard work, and it’s no wonder we feel worn out.

So, give yourself some grace. Recognize that rest, recovery, and gentleness are not signs of laziness but necessary steps to heal from prolonged stress. Instead of pushing yourself harder, allow yourself to prioritize rest and small moments of joy. Once you’ve had time to recover, motivation and drive often return naturally. If you feel exhausted, remind yourself: you’re not failing, you’re just recovering. Embrace the process of rest and trust that, in time, you’ll find your energy and excitement again.