Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions? Like you’re ticking off life’s boxes; career, relationships, responsibilities… but something still feels missing?

It’s a common experience, especially in our fast-paced world where we’re constantly bombarded by demands and expectations. Over time, it’s easy to drift away from who we really are. We become masters of coping, of pushing through, of chasing “shoulds,” often ignoring the quiet inner voice that whispers, There’s more to life than this.

When you’re out of alignment with your soul, life can start to feel strangely hollow. You might notice a dull ache of dissatisfaction, a lack of real joy, or a sense of being perpetually stuck in survival mode.

The good news is that your soul is always calling you to reconnect and align with your true essence and these feelings are all sign posts back home to that place.

What does Soul Alignment look and feel Like?

Soul alignment isn’t about living a flawless life or being endlessly blissful. It’s about feeling connected to who you truly are at the deepest level. It’s a sense of inner congruence, where your choices, values, and desires all flow from the same authentic source.

When you’re aligned, you stop second-guessing so much. There’s less spinning in your mind and more trust in your intuition. Decisions might not always be logical on paper, but they feel right. There’s also a quiet kind of joy, one that doesn’t depend on circumstances being perfect, but instead springs from knowing you’re on your true path.

The core elements of Soul Alignment

Deep Self-Awareness
This is where it all begins. Knowing what genuinely matters to you, beyond the noise of societal or family expectations , is crucial. What energises you? What drains you? What are your deepest longings? Awareness creates the foundation for aligned living.

Inner Calm & Intuitive Guidance
When you slow down and create space for stillness, your intuition gets louder. Instead of being overwhelmed by mental chatter, you start to hear those subtle nudges…a gut feeling, a spark of excitement, a sense of quiet knowing.

Living by Your Soul Values
Your values are like an inner compass. When your life reflects what’s truly important to your soul , whether that’s freedom, creativity, connection, or growth,  you feel more at peace. Sometimes honouring these values means stepping away from paths that look “safe” but don’t actually nourish you.

Purpose and Passions
Your soul carries a blueprint, a unique mix of gifts, interests, and lessons. When you start weaving more of what lights you up into daily life, everything feels more vibrant. For some, tools like Soul Plan readings are incredibly illuminating, helping to uncover the deeper threads that run through your life.

Healing and Expansion
Soul alignment often requires you to release old wounds, outdated beliefs, and patterns that keep you small. This part isn’t always comfortable, but it’s profoundly liberating. As you heal, you create more space to embody your true self.

Signs you might be ‘Out of Alignment’

• You’re constantly tired, even if you’re achieving on the outside
• There’s a vague sense that something important is missing
• You feel anxious, irritable, or emotionally flat more often than not
• Your body sends signals; perhaps through persistent tension or unexplained health dips
• You feel disconnected from others, or even from yourself

These aren’t failures; they’re gentle signals from your soul inviting you to come back into deeper alignment.

My own wake-up call

Years ago, I was living what many would have described as an successful life; a well-paying IT role in London, regular holidays, a packed social calendar. But inside, I was drained and increasingly disconnected from myself.

Then one day, my body forced me to stop. I collapsed at work, head clouded, struggling to articulate simple words. As I lay there waiting for help, I realised with  a clarity: This is not how I want to live.

That moment cracked something open in me. In the weeks that followed, serendipities started to appear; small, almost magical signs guiding me back to myself. One afternoon, a book literally tumbled off a shelf in a shop, landing at my feet. It was about life coaching, and it felt like the universe tapping me on the shoulder, saying, It’s time to remember who you are.

How you can begin to realign

If you’re feeling that quiet nudge, that soul longing to live in a way that’s more true to you,  here are some simple steps to start:

• Create quiet pockets in your day.
  Even ten minutes of stillness, journalling, or being in nature can help you hear your inner wisdom.
• Tune into your intuition.
  Notice those gentle pulls, sparks of excitement, or quiet inner yeses. They’re clues. The more you honour them, the clearer they become.
• Clarify what truly matters.
  Set intentions that come from your heart, not just your head. Ask: What would feel truly aligned for me right now?
• Challenge old beliefs.
  Notice the stories that keep you stuck; like I’m not ready, it’s too late, or I’m not good enough. Meet them with curiosity and compassion.
• Take small soul-led steps.
  Alignment grows through action. Whether it’s saying no to something draining, starting a passion project, or seeking support — each step builds trust in yourself.
• Seek out soulful community.
  Being surrounded by people who encourage your growth makes the journey less lonely and so much richer.

Why choose Soul Alignment?

Because staying misaligned is exhausting. It keeps you chasing external validation, while the real nourishment your soul craves goes unmet. But when you start honouring your inner truth, life shifts. There’s more flow, more ease, more genuine fulfilment. Challenges still come, of course but you meet them from a centred, grounded place.

If you feel called to explore this journey more deeply, my S.A.C.R.E.D. Re-Energise programme was created for exactly this. It’s a gentle yet powerful process to help you reconnect with your soul’s blueprint, heal old wounds, and start living from a place of inner clarity and alignment.

Because you truly deserve a life that feels vibrant, meaningful, and yours.

Anita D Marshall is a Soul Alignment Life & Business Coach,  Soul Transformation Therapist and Soul Plan Teacher empowering soul-aligned lives & businesses with clarity and purpose at www.anitadmarshall.com

*Photo Credit: Inspired Stock Shop