When Nothing Sparks Joy: A Gentle Word for the Sad

Christi Young
Jul 19
3 min read

If you’re a Type 9 and you’re feeling numb, depressed, or like you’ll never be passionate about anything again, take a deep breath.

This isn’t the end of your story.

Maybe you’ve looked around and felt like everyone else has a fire inside them—something they wake up excited about, a calling that fuels their days. Meanwhile, you’re just trying to get through the week without shutting down completely. You might even believe the lie: “I don’t have a passion. And I probably never will.”

But passion doesn’t always arrive in a blaze of glory. Sometimes it starts as a whisper. A quiet nudge. A soft tug that says, “There might be more, even if you can’t feel it yet.”

Especially for an Enneagram 9—whose strength is in unity, calm, and quiet presence—passion doesn’t usually look loud. It looks like peace waking up to purpose.

Why It’s So Hard to Feel Passion Right Now

Type 9s often disconnect from their own desires to keep the peace. You might be so attuned to other people’s needs, preferences, or schedules that your own interests have gotten buried. Over time, this creates a kind of emotional amnesia. You forget what you like. You lose touch with what makes you you.

And when depression adds a layer of exhaustion or hopelessness, it’s even harder to access your true self. But here’s the truth:

You were created with a heart that does care deeply.You were made in God’s image—with purpose, gifts, and a soul that matters.

That’s still in you. Even if it’s sleeping.

What Passion Really Means for a Type 9

The world talks about passion like it’s a lightning bolt. But for a 9, it often starts much smaller—like a glowing coal instead of a wildfire.

Here’s a different definition of passion:The quiet joy of being fully alive and connected to what matters most.

And here’s the good news: You can uncover it. One gentle step at a time.

5 Gentle Steps to Reignite Passion

1. Go on a “Tiny Interest Hunt”

Don’t wait for a grand calling. Start by noticing small things that make you feel even slightly curious or peaceful.

Ask:

What kinds of books or movies draw me in?
What environments make me feel most at ease?
When do I feel a little more me?

🟢 Try this: Create a “Spark List.” Write down anything you don’t dread. A certain song. The smell of coffee. Organizing a drawer. Playing with a dog. These tiny sparks matter.

2. Explore Without Pressure

Let go of the idea that you have to find “the one thing” you’re meant to do. Passion grows through exploration, not perfection.

🟢 Try this: Take one hour a week to try something different—with no pressure to be good at it. A new recipe. A walk in a different park. Browsing a hobby store. Doodling. Volunteering.

God often speaks through motion. You don’t have to see the whole path. Just take the next right step.

3. Connect to Old You

Think back to a time in your life before the exhaustion or sadness set in.

Ask:

What did I enjoy as a child or teen?
Was there ever a moment I felt energized or inspired?
What kind of beauty moved me?

🟢 Try this: Flip through old photos or journals. Sometimes the younger version of you can whisper clues about what still matters to you now.

4. Ask What Breaks Your Heart

Sometimes passion is uncovered through pain.

Ask:

What injustice or need in the world bothers me most?
Who do I feel drawn to help or encourage?
What do I wish I could change?

🟢 Try this: Turn your empathy into purpose. Enneagram 9s are often quiet changemakers, healing others simply by showing up with compassion.

5. Let God Awaken You Slowly

You don’t need to push or rush. Your pace is valid. Invite the Holy Spirit into this search.

Pray:

“God, show me what You’ve placed inside of me. I trust that You haven’t made me empty. Help me notice the beauty I’ve been overlooking—even in myself.”