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"Si vous perdez votre âme et que vous le savez, alors il vous reste encore une âme à perdre."

Charles Bukowski
Charles Bukowski Author
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Quote meaning
When you feel like you're losing a part of yourself—like your soul is slipping away—it means there's still something there to hold onto. The very awareness that you're losing something so vital means that part of you is still alive.

Let’s think about the historical context. This sentiment might have been expressed during a period of personal turmoil or existential crisis. Perhaps someone said this to offer a glimmer of hope to a friend who felt completely lost. Imagine a poet or a philosopher reflecting on times when everything seemed to be crumbling around them. Their words aim to remind us that awareness is the first step towards reclaiming what seems lost.

Now, picture this: You’re working 70 hours a week at a job you used to love. The passion you had has turned into routine, the excitement into exhaustion. You used to have hobbies, friends you saw regularly, weekends you looked forward to. Now, it’s like you’re on autopilot. You feel disconnected from what brought you joy. But here's the catch—you know this. You feel the emptiness. That means you recognize that there's still something worth saving. You're not entirely gone, just buried.

So, how do you apply this bit of wisdom? Start by acknowledging that your awareness is your biggest asset. It’s your wake-up call. It’s time to evaluate what's causing you to feel this way. Is it the job? A toxic relationship? Lack of balance? Once you identify the source, take steps—no matter how small—to reclaim your soul. Maybe it’s scheduling time every week to do something you love, reaching out to reconnect with an old friend, or even seeking professional help to guide you through the fog.

Let’s dive into a story. Imagine Sarah. She’s a successful lawyer, climbing the ranks at a prestigious firm. Her family is proud, her colleagues respect her, but she feels empty inside. She used to paint, but her brushes have collected dust for over a year. She used to take long walks in the park, but now she’s glued to her desk. One day, she breaks down in tears, realizing she’s lost touch with herself. But this breakdown is an awakening. She’s still got a soul to save. Sarah decides to take evening painting classes and starts visiting the park on weekends. The balance starts to return, slowly but surely. She’s not just a lawyer anymore—she’s herself again.

So, if you ever find yourself in Sarah's shoes, remember that feeling lost means there’s still a “you” to be found. Don’t ignore that feeling. It’s your soul’s way of waving a red flag. Take action. Even small changes can steer you back to yourself. And keep in mind, the journey to reclaiming your soul isn’t just a path to returning to who you were. It’s about growing into who you’re meant to become. So take a deep breath and start where you are. Your soul is still there, waiting for you to find it.
Related tags
Consciousness Existential Identity Inner struggle Introspection Mental health Philosophy Self-awareness Soul Spirituality
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