Anima

The word anima from the Ancient Greek simply means soul.

Victoria.

In an existential context, being “bothered” often means being disturbed at a deep level — by questions of meaning, mortality, purpose, freedom, isolation, and authenticity. These aren’t just annoyances; they shake the foundation of our being. Here’s how this might play out — and how one might turn these disturbances into positive beliefs:

1. Mortality — “I will die someday.”

Why it bothers: The awareness of death can trigger fear, anxiety, or a sense of futility. It questions the point of all our efforts. Reframe as a belief: “Because life is finite, it’s valuable.” Mortality becomes a motivator for urgency, clarity, and presence. It pushes you to love deeper, act sooner, and choose more deliberately.

2. Freedom — “I’m radically free to choose, and responsible for my life.”

Why it bothers: The weight of responsibility can be terrifying. If life has no pre-written script, then everything is on you. Reframe as a belief: “I am the author of my story.” Freedom becomes empowerment. You shift from victimhood to agency. Even in limitation, you can choose your attitude, your values, your next step.

3. Meaninglessness — “What if nothing truly matters?”

Why it bothers: If there’s no objective purpose, the effort feels empty. A sense of absurdity or depression can creep in. Reframe as a belief: “Since nothing is imposed, I am free to create meaning.” Meaninglessness becomes a blank canvas. You can build your own beliefs, values, art, relationships, and contribution. Meaning is something we make, not something we wait for.

4. Isolation — “No one can truly know me or feel what I feel.”

Why it bothers: Deep existential isolation can feel alienating, especially in grief, crisis, or silent reflection. Reframe as a belief: “Because I know isolation, I value connection.” Isolation awakens a yearning for authenticity. It makes true moments of intimacy, empathy, and shared silence sacred. Even solitude becomes a space of insight.

5. The Absurd — “Life doesn’t operate according to fairness or logic.”

Why it bothers: It threatens the idea that things should “make sense” or that good always wins. Reframe as a belief: “I can still choose how I respond to chaos.” Absurdity invites creative rebellion — your soul is uniquely creative.

Final Thought:

Being bothered by existential concerns means you’re awake. Turning them into positive beliefs doesn’t mean denying the discomfort — it means transmuting fear into fuel. You honor the pain, then choose a courageous stance anyway.

For me it has been essential to overcome one existential crisis after another.

Life is not a straight line of successes.

Yes, when you experience set backs in your life or in business you have to create new paths that lead to safety.

One phenomenal truth that I have come across recently whilst reading a book written by a Korean Buddhist Zen Master, his name is Haemin Sunim, the book is called When things don’t go as we want, was that we can weather the storm, we can say NO this is not for me and be authentic and change direction until your mind, your body and your soul are in alignment.

“When the Questions Bother Me”

When the questions bother me—

not the small ones, but the ones

that echo in empty rooms—

I do not run.

I let them sit beside me.

We share the silence.

What does it mean to live,

knowing I will vanish?

Why love, when all things fade?

Why build, when time unbuilds?

Why reach, when stars are silent?

But then—

a bird flies crooked across the dusk

and for a moment,

I forget to despair.

Not because I solved the riddle,

but because the flight was enough.

The bother is the blessing,

the ache proof I am awake.

And if the void is real,

so is this breath,

and this olive tree,

and the way your hand feels warm in mine.

So I write, and plant, and cry, and kiss—

not despite the bother,

but because of it.

Because to live without answers

is still to live.

And to wonder is its own kind of grace.

This blog is shared with all of you that follow me with my love and appreciation for your support.

Live a great life, enjoy your sacred home and search for meaning until you become truly, you.

Victoria

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