When I'm Not Feeling It

There are just some days when I'm not feeling it.

Days when I don't really feel 100% about what I do and sometimes, myself. Days when the smallest things get to me. Days when the music I listen to doesn't feel the same way anymore. Days when I feel so disconnected from the people that I am close to. Days when I would say no to doing something I would normally be on board with. Days when life feels different and the lemons it gives I just let be. 

To be quite honest, I don't always have these kinds of days and the reason why I have them I do not know, but I guess sometimes you don't really have to know. Then again, that might just be me avoiding finding out what's causing this because I'm afraid of knowing. But that's besides the point. 

What I do know is that I do have these kinds of days, and sadly, I beat myself up for them because I feel like I shouldn't be having them. That these days shouldn't exist because having days when I'm not feeling it is me taking for granted what God has so graciously given to me. That having these days is disrespectful to other people and is therefore, unacceptable. That having these days is probably because I'm in sin, or that I don't trust God enough and that my faith is weak. That these days come because I focus too much on the negative things in life. That these days are exclusive to me because everyone else is pretty much okay with their lives and so there must be something different, something wrong with me.

In reality, it is completely normal to have days like these and that I am not the only one who experiences days like these. Me not feeling it isn't always the result of me paying attention to the negatives in my life. God and my relationship with Him doesn't necessarily have anything to do with me not feeling it on certain days because honestly, someone could have what is ideally the best relationship with Him and yet still have days when they really are just not feeling it ("it" isn't necessarily God or your relationship with Him). Sometimes, it's even these kinds of days that let me hear God speak louder and clearer.

Days when I'm not feeling it aren't really bad days. They're just different days. There are days when the waffles seem just a bit better than pancakes. Days when the warmth of the lazy boy feels so much more inviting than going to the mall. There are (extremely rare) days when I want to listen to Rihanna and not Beyoncé. It isn't because I've changed into an entirely different person. Maybe subconsciously, I just want to change things up a bit from time to time, and change can be good. 

So, today, I promise myself not to feel bad anymore whenever I have days when I'm not feeling it because no matter how horrible or wrong other people say it is to have them, these days do happen. They happen to me and most likely to you as well. These days are days in our lives that are there for a reason and that reason is probably not for us to feel bad them. When I still do feel bad about having days like these, I promise not to feel bad about that as well because I know that I am a work-in-progress and that there is beauty and value in progress. 

When these days come again, I'll live these days just like any other day because honestly, there really are just some days when I'm not feeling it.

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Previous Post: Japan: Day 3

Japan: Day 3

On our third day in Japan, my family and I visited two famous attractions in Osaka: Osaka Castle and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Our agenda for the day was to visit the castle only, but we decided that morning that we would spend some time at the aquarium as well. Both sites were such beauties and I would definitely love to come back to them and explore them once again.

Here are the places we visited on our third day in Japan:

1. Osaka Castle: One of Osaka's heritage sites is the Osaka Castle. Located at Chūō-ku, Osaka, this castle stands as a reminder of Osaka's long history. I may not be an expert in architecture, but the design of the entire place (castle, grounds, and all) was astounding.
The moat and the walls surrounding the castle and its grounds showed that the castle was built in a strategic position that allows for it to not only protect itself from impending attacks, but retaliate as well. The castle has been turned into a museum, which does have an entrance fee, where tourists can tour the interior and learn more about the history behind the castle. Accessible by train, the Osaka Castle is definitely a must-visit in your Osaka trip.

2. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Housing several species of aquatic animals, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was definitely a sight. Visitors can take a tour that starts at the 8th and top floor of the aquarium and work their way down the floors through all the exhibits. A few of the animals at the aquarium were penguins, otters, jellyfishes, and stingrays. Much like most museums and public aquariums, visitors can buy merchandise at the store at the end of their tour. If you're planning to take photos, do know that photography is allowed at the exhibits as long as the flash is off.

3. Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Beside the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the Tempozan Ferris Wheel! We didn't get to go on the ferris wheel because of my anxiety, but I am adding this on here as a recommendation for all the brave souls out there. Riding the Tempozan Ferris Wheel would be the perfect opportunity to unwind from all the walking and touring and to just take in the beautiful view that is Osaka.

4.  Glorious Chain Cafe: Serving American-style sandwiches and burgers as well as pancakes and salad, the Glorious Chain Cafe was such a delight especially after a long day of walking and exploring Osaka. The soft beef and the melted cheese in their Philly Cheesesteak sandwich tasted amazing. I also enjoyed their English Breakfast Iced Tea which did not disappoint! Eating these definitely refreshed my palette after eating so much sushi and curry rice in the past two days! The place is located in Shinsaibashi near the actual station which makes it very convenient especially for those staying outside of Shinsaibashi. I'll definitely be returning to the Glorious Chain Cafe!

Those are all the places we visited on our third day in Japan! All the places that we visited are accessible by train and the staff at the train station are friendly so don't worry about getting lost! I'm happy that we're finally exploring Osaka and I can't wait for the next few days in this Japan series. I do apologize for the long break in between Day 2 and Day 3. Days 4 and 5 will be coming soon so stay tuned for that, but that is all for now!

Until Next Time!
~ Luis ~


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Check the rest of the series here → Japan 2016