You know that feeling, right?

That nagging restlessness. That sense that something’s missing even though you’ve checked all the boxes. That ache in your chest that shows up at 2 a.m. or when you’re sitting in another meeting that could have been an email. Ugh!

Most people try to suppress it. Ignore it. Push it down with busyness, shopping, scrolling, or another glass of wine.

They feel guilty about it. I should be grateful. I have a good life. What’s wrong with me?

But here’s what I need you to understand:

That discontent isn’t a problem. It’s a message.

And if you keep ignoring it, you’ll spend your entire life wondering what you were supposed to do with it.

Discontent Is Your Soul’s GPS

I see this all the time with my clients. High-achieving, successful women who have everything they thought they wanted, and still feel empty.

They don’t know what they’re searching for. They can’t name what’s missing. They just know something’s off.

And they feel terrible about feeling that way.

But here’s the truth: You discover your true desire by first noticing your discontent.

That restlessness? It’s not complaining. It’s calling.

It’s your soul’s GPS telling you you’re off course. That there’s more for you. That you’re not here to live a cramped, limited life that fits someone else’s definition of success.

When you feel that pull toward something else—even when you don’t know what “something else” is—don’t shut it out just because you can’t name it yet.

That’s the mistake most people make. They think they need to have the answer before they honor the question.

But it doesn’t work that way.

What to Do When You Feel Restless But Don’t Know Why

Here’s what I want you to do instead of pushing that feeling away:

1. Acknowledge it without judgment.

Stop telling yourself you’re ungrateful or broken. Discontent doesn’t mean you don’t appreciate what you have. It means you’re being called toward more.

Say it out loud: “I feel restless. I feel like something’s missing. And that’s okay. It’s information.”

2. Get curious about it.

Instead of shutting it down, examine it. Ask yourself:

• When do I feel most alive?
• When do I feel most dead inside?
• What am I doing when that restless feeling is strongest?
• What am I doing when it quiets down?

These rumblings are nudging you toward something. Your job is to listen, not silence them.

3. Don’t let other people talk you out of it.

This is critical.

When you start honoring your discontent, when you start saying “I don’t think this is it for me” or “I want something different,” people will try to talk you out of it.

“You have a great job. Why would you leave?”
“You should be happy with what you have.”
“You’re being unrealistic.”
“What if you fail?”

Here’s what you need to know: Those voices are scared. Scared that if you change, it’ll force them to look at their own discontent. Scared that you’ll outgrow them. Scared that you’ll show them it’s possible to want more.

Don’t let anyone criticize you into shutting down your dreams—or even your restlessness.

That inner voice telling you there’s more? Let it be louder than everyone else’s opinions.

Because sis, you are not here to settle for what other people think you should want.

How to Know If Your Discontent Is Leading You Somewhere Real

Not every restless feeling is a call to action. Sometimes you’re just tired. Sometimes you need a vacation. Sometimes you need therapy, not a life overhaul.

So how do you know if your discontent is actually pointing you toward your purpose?

Here’s the test: Does thinking about it give you energy?

Real desire—the kind that’s connected to your purpose—lights you up. Even when you don’t know how you’ll get there. Even when it seems impossible. Even when fruition is far off.

When you talk about it, do you feel more alive? Do you feel motivation stirring? Do you feel that pull to take action, even if you don’t know what action to take?

That’s your signal.

If thinking about something drains you or fills you with dread, that’s fear talking—not desire.

But if it energizes you, even a little bit? Pay attention. That’s real.

Your Discontent Is Not Your Enemy

I need you to hear this:

Your restlessness is not a character flaw. Your discontent is not ingratitude. Your yearning for more is not selfishness.

It’s guidance.

Dreams and desires pull at you, tug at you, speak to you, and will not leave you alone because you are not meant to live a cramped life.

Let these inner frictions rub until they create the spark that ignites the fire of your purpose.

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now. You don’t need to know the exact destination. You don’t even need to know the first step. Knowing what’s not working is a great first step.

At this point, you need to stop shutting it down.

Your Work This Week

Here’s what I want you to do:

1. Name your discontent.

Write this sentence and complete it: “I feel restless because…”

Don’t censor yourself. Don’t make it make sense. Just write what comes up.

2. Protect your restlessness.

When someone tries to talk you out of it or minimize it, practice saying: “I hear you, but I need to explore this for myself.”

You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your discontent. You don’t need their permission to honor it.

3. Take one small step toward the pull.

You don’t need a plan. You don’t need clarity. You just need to move in the direction of what’s calling you.

If you feel drawn to creativity, consider creating something this week.
If you feel drawn to helping others, consider volunteering once.
If you feel drawn to a career change, consider having a conversation with someone in that field.

One small step. That’s it.

Because here’s what I know: Your discontent is trying to lead you toward your greater good.

But it can only lead you if you’re willing to follow.

The Truth About Your Restlessness

You are not here to settle for less than your purpose.

You are not here to live the limited, cramped life someone else designed for you.

You are not here to ignore the voice inside you that keeps saying “there’s more.”

So stop fighting it. Stop feeling guilty about it. Stop letting other people talk you out of it.

Honor your discontent. Listen to your restlessness. Follow the pull.

Because sis, that feeling that won’t leave you alone? It’s not a problem.

It’s the beginning of your purpose trying to emerge.

What are you going to do about it?

Ready to honor your discontent and discover what’s calling you? Want some help? I’d love to chat with you. Book a call.

P.S. Want support in discovering and building your dreams?

In between my coaching and speaking schedule, I carve out a few strategy sessions each month. If you would like a complimentary strategy session (Value = $250), simply contact me here.