You know that feeling where everything is technically okay? You’re not sick, you’re not falling apart, you’re showing up, but something just feels… off? Welcome to the land of “fine.”
It’s a place I know well. For years, if I wasn’t exhausted, I thought I was okay. If I wasn’t unwell, then I was healthy. If I just kept things afloat and continued to show up, tick the boxes, and not crumble, I figured I was doing enough. But lately, I’ve been getting curious about this middle ground we sit in. This grey space between unwell and well. Between existing and thriving. The phenomenon of languishing and the persistent background feeling of ‘meh’ is so common, it’s become normal. And I’m starting to ask: why?
Why do we wait until we’re on the edge of burnout before we give ourselves permission to rest? Why do we keep our batteries running low instead of daring to fully recharge? Why does “fine” feel safer than “thriving”?
Part of it, I believe, is cultural. Especially here in Australia. We’ve got a tall poppy thing going on. Ambition and ego? We often whisper those words like they’re dirty. If you want more, aim higher, ask for better health, more energy, more joy, it can feel indulgent. Even selfish.
We glorify being busy. We laugh about burnout like it’s a badge of honour. And underneath it all, there’s this subtle message: Don’t be too much. Just be good enough. But “enough” isn’t the same as well. It takes courage and a fair bit of rebellion to swing the pendulum the other way. To say:
No, I’m not just going to survive another week.
Yes, I’m going to sleep properly, move often, and eat mindfully. Not because I’m broken, but because I deserve to feel good.
No, I’m not going to eat lunch at my desk. I’m going for a walk.
Yes, I’m going to work less because I value cooking a proper meal and having energy in the morning to move my body.
It’s not easy. It takes system change, internal rewiring, and a lot of unlearning. But we all know the benefits. The science is clear and the anecdotal stories are all around us. So the real question is: Where do you sit on the pendulum? Not sick or actually well? Functioning or fully alive?
I’ll go first. As I said before, I used to think if I wasn’t exhausted, I was okay. That if I could keep going, I should. That pushing through meant I was strong. But lately, I’ve been flipping the story. I’m choosing activities, food, movement, relationships, and work activities that nourish, not just sustain. It’s uncomfortable at times, especially with the guilt always creeping in, but the rewards are so incredibly worthwhile.
I’m inviting you to get curious too. What would it look like for you to thrive? Not someday, not when you’re on leave, not when everything is perfect, but now, in this messy, real, day-to-day life? Let’s stop normalising “fine.” Let’s start choosing full. Because you deserve more than just not being sick. You deserve to feel well.
