Restlessness is discontent and discontent is the first necessity of progress. Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure. ~ Thomas A. Edison
If there is dissatisfaction with the status quo, good. If there is ferment, so much the better. If there is restlessness, I am pleased. Then let there be ideas, and hard thought, and hard work. If man feels small, let man make himself bigger. ~ Hubert H. Humphrey
Lately I have been feeling restless. Things have been a bit hectic at work, one of my daughters struggles with transitions, so the beginning of the school year is always a month or two of weathering the transition until all feels routine. There is nothing terribly wrong, it is just as though life is not flowing with the ease or joy that I would like it to. We all have these moments. When we are lucky, they are fleeting and quickly replaced with joy and satisfaction.
I was encouraged when I found the Edison and Hubert quotes on restlessness, as I realized that they are right. If we are not restless, then there is nothing to motivate us to change our environment or circumstance. Restlessness can act as a motivator that propels us to make new decisions, take on new projects, or even move to a new city/ country/ etc. This can be incredibly scary, but also incredibly freeing and rewarding.
One way I have coped with restlessness in the past is to write in a journal – I try to look at the reasons I am restless and the possible solutions that will enable me to feel calmer and more at east. Often when I do this I realize that the feelings are more manageable than I had thought – it becomes less overwhelming.
I also give myself permission to pursue opportunities that interest me and make changes that I can (however small) and I strive to remind myself to focus on the important issues in my life and to not get drug down by the smaller burdens.
Today, 167 days ’til 40, I remind myself to “not sweat the small stuff”. Life is too short to worry or complain it away – if I am restless it is better to create a plan to rectify the situation then stew in the frustration of it all.
~400daystil40
Fortuitous Forty!!! 
viveka
September 7, 2012 at 00:32
Okay, now it became white again – don’t have clue what that was ???? I don’t know if I agree with the gentlemen – I don’t like to be restless .. it means I can’t think, I can’t concentrate and I can’t sleep – I don’t see the good in being restless .. because restless we can’t always control and we are not able to do anything neither, at least not me. The reason for being restless is not that easy to put a finger at neither, because in your case can it be your daughters situations. I also see where they come from – when I get real restless I crawl under the duvet *smile and look at all movies … the ones that don’t leave an eye dry. *smile – anyhow I could do without restlessness – no problems what so ever.
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:46
I also do not like being restless…..
viveka
September 7, 2012 at 23:00
No, I can see anything good in that we need restlessness. Have a great weekend now.
appletonavenue
September 7, 2012 at 02:32
Not sure if I’m just restless or truly dissatisfied, but I’ve spent 5 of the last 7 days looking at property and jobs in Europe. If I were single I might, but I’ll have to find another answer to my restlessness. Making a decision is never easy, is it?
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:45
Ah, yes, – I find myself doing similar things. Though my partner is looking as well – maybe we will end up in Europe!
walkwiththerabbi
September 7, 2012 at 08:16
Simple, concise, yet overflowing with potential. Thanks for this. I’m going to personally reflect on this. I hope this finds you and yours well. Hugs from here.
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:44
Thanks somuch! 🙂
Spider42
September 7, 2012 at 12:50
Nice post and I completely agree with the need for restlessness – having pent up energy is good, though few people are aware and self-aware enough to put it to good use. With that in mind, kudos for realising that you can find constructive outlets for it and realise the value of it.
I would like to point out though, I agree with the first part of the Edison quote, but the second part – not at all. That’s utter bollocks (pardon my language) and Edison himself was a total… never mind, language, restraint, you get the idea… apologies but Edison really annoys me.
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:44
Thanks for making me smile – you tend to do that a lot with your comments! 🙂
Spider42
September 8, 2012 at 16:13
As always, glad to have been of service.
Cheers!
saymber
September 7, 2012 at 17:21
Restlessness is a condition I deal with alot! When this hits me, usually after examination, I find it’s something deeper. A good long walk or exercise is about the only activity I’ve found to really deal with the condition….everything else just distracts me for a bit so it can come back with even stronger.
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:44
Great idea to go on a long walk!
Another Thousand Words
September 7, 2012 at 21:25
Another fine post, 400…with loads of good advice!
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:43
🙂
Jiksun
September 7, 2012 at 21:58
On rare occasions, I catch myself thinking, “wow, everything is working just fine – I wonder how long it’ll last this time.” Its’s always a nice moment, then I move onto the next thing.
400daystil40
September 7, 2012 at 22:43
I have thought the same thing…….
The Quiet Borderline (back in hospital)
September 9, 2012 at 17:17
Here here. Thank you. I can relate a lot to this post also.
You calmed me down a bit at the fact that this is actually a good and positive process I am going through.
400daystil40
September 9, 2012 at 22:58
Yes, it is a good process, but not always easy!