Jaded
It’s rare for people to talk about feeling jaded. Have you ever asked someone how they feel, and the response is ‘jaded?’ It’s a feeling rarely talked about. So, I’m diving in. If you were to describe what you mean when you say, ‘I’m feeling jaded,’ how would you describe it?
What Feeling Jaded Could Mean
Have you ever felt like the world has lost its shine? Maybe something that once sparked joy or awe now feels muted or like watching fireworks through fogged glass. There’s no color, everything sounds muffled, or the texture in life suddenly feels flat.
Here’s another way to describe feeling jaded: being stuck listening to the same song on repeat. The song you usually perk up to now makes your eyes roll; it blurs together with any other song that comes into your awareness. Maybe surprises feel predictable, and life feels scripted instead of spontaneous.
Perhaps you’ve experienced the weight of armor that has lost its purpose. What once seemed to protect you feels like disappointment or betrayal. It’s a burden that prevents you from experiencing some things, while shielding you from others.
Is any of this resonating with you? Perhaps feeling jaded is more common than you realize—it is simply missing its label.
Things You Can Do When Jaded Drops in For a Visit
When things seem to lose their luster, practice noticing one surprise a day. Write it down, say it out loud. Little surprises count! When you shift your focus to these little surprises, the fog lifts and color reappears.
Sometimes repetition and routine make things feel stale. Change the station! Try an unfamiliar experience to shake up your routine. Little things like cooking a new meal, taking a different route or listening to something new can spark fresh energy.
If your armor is heavy, try removing one piece of that armor at a time. Sharing honestly with someone safe, saying yes to something small and new, or allowing yourself to be moved by a story or song can open the door to more vitality. Believe it or not, a wee dose of vulnerability can reshape your armor into something lighter and more manageable.
While feeling jaded seems negative, perhaps it’s an invitation to freshen up that salad of yours.
Explore more feelings in the Stayin’ in Touch – Negative Emotions book. You can play with them when or wherever you like.
