Adventures | For Derek

Overcoming Ennui

by Derek—2006.10.20 @ 0916

en•nui | än’wee |
noun
a feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from lack of occupation or excitement.

Origin mid 18th cent.: French, from Latin mihi in odio est ‘it is hateful to me.’


I’ll admit to a mild affliction of ennui. The symptoms came on slowly so I didn’t even realize it was happening. Not until I looked around and felt so tired of everything. Lack of emotion. Lackluster. Bored. Tired. The word ennui is perfectly suited because I’m not simply bored, rather, my listlessness comes from a long-period of droll work and painfully frustrating future. When the future looks grim and promises to be the exact same over and over, I started falling into a melancholy depression. A flat ennui coming over time, little by little.

The good news is that working in Scouting has really helped get me out of this “funk.” I attended the first of two training sessions for Scoutmasters and it was excellent. For the first time since I was asked to be the Scoutmaster I am feeling the lights turning on and I am feeling excited about what is coming up.

Right now, Scouting is the best tonic for overcoming ennui. There is always something exciting to do.

Update: Just to clarify, this ennui is referring to my work, not home life.

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