Living and existing are not the same. Abraham Maslow identified five layers of basic needs in 1943, crucial for understanding a tired or dying soul. Essential needs like air, food, and water must be met first before addressing higher-level needs. Many people with tired souls feel deeper longings, leading experts like transformational coaches and philosophers to create a list of subtle signs related to these needs.
The 5 Human Needs
When higher needs are ignored, the spirit and soul suffer first, not the body. Many people might have money, social media friends, and busy lives, but still feel their true selves withering and numb.
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Take Heed: 7 Signs Your Soul Isn’t Being Fed
Be on the lookout for subtle signs of neglect—ignoring them could mean squandering your valuable time.
1. You’re Anxious About The Future
Dwelling on the past, worrying about the future, or being stuck in the same life phase for too long suggests that your true desires might be neglected. A self-actualized person who attends to their soul’s needs feels comfortable in the present but doesn’t remain stuck. They stay aware of future goals and work towards them while letting the Universe, God, or fate handle uncontrollable factors. Constant worry may also indicate a need to focus on basic human needs, like finding love, belonging, and building self-confidence according to Michelle Wellness.
2. You Try To Justify Your Mistakes
If others are highlighting that you’re making excuses instead of apologizing for your mistakes, it shows you’re more focused on justifying your actions than learning from them. A person who nurtures their soul understands the impact of their actions on others and has the strength to admit when they’re wrong. Confidence and self-love are needed to see that your life is still valuable, even when mistakes occur.
3. You Talk Down To Yourself
You spend your whole life with yourself, so a harsh, critical inner voice is a strong sign that your soul is tired or dying. Negative self-talk indicates something inside you feels off. What’s troubling you might not be your true self but could stem from your job, a toxic relationship, unmet dreams, unresolved issues, or past fears. This inner voice only speaks to you and uses harsh words to get your attention. While you may not be the root of all your problems, only you can find the solution.
4. You’re Not Letting Things Go
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Holding onto relationships that have soured, allowing unforgiveness and bitterness to grow, or making a permanent lifestyle out of something meant to be temporary are all signs that you’re clinging to what no longer serves you.
A truly self-actualized person finds value and meaning in every phase of their life, even if it’s new or uncomfortable. Clinging to outdated things or people stretches your soul, and there’s only so much stretching you can endure.
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5. You Spend Most Of Your Day Doing Something You Dislike
Let’s face it—no one gets to do what they love all the time. Maturity involves recognizing your responsibilities, but if you’re only looking forward to weekends for a taste of true happiness, it’s time to reassess your priorities.
You don’t have to go through a mid-life crisis to find joy. A nourished soul doesn’t need major changes to feel happiness, though sometimes it might be helpful. Instead, it learns to create daily moments of joy. Whether it’s humming your favorite song, enjoying a good joke, or taking a brief walk in nature, adding simple pleasures can break up the routine.
Your job might not match your initial expectations, but it shouldn’t drain all your energy, creativity, and happiness—nothing should have that kind of control over you.
6. You Don’t Say “No” When You Need To
Everyone needs companionship and wants to belong, but being a people-pleaser can be harmful. If you’re feeling bitter because others are exploiting your kindness, it signals a problem.
There’s a clear difference between being compassionate and allowing someone to deplete your emotional energy, time, and sometimes even money. You can’t fully enjoy life if you’re becoming resentful drained tired sou; from giving too much of yourself. Setting healthy boundaries is not only beneficial for you but also for everyone involved.
7. You Don’t Care For Yourself
This brings us to the final sign: not being able to recall the last time you did something special for yourself. Self-care, or more accurately, self-love, is crucial for a truly fulfilling life. It looks different for everyone.
For some, self-love might involve preparing a healthy breakfast daily. For others, it could mean going to bed early instead of staying out late. For another person, it might be staying up to watch the stars or enjoying a favorite emotional movie.
Recognize what special moments mean the most to you and use them to rekindle your passion for life. Feed your soul.
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