Greetings, everyone! How’s everyone doing today? I hope you’re all experiencing a fantastic and prosperous day.

It’s been a while since my last blog post. I have several drafts that I’ve saved, yet they remain unfinished. I’m hoping to complete and share them with you all very soon.

As some of you may know, especially those who’ve been following me for several years, a couple of years ago, I found myself in a very dark place. In brief, I grappled with depression, which ultimately led to the loss of a job I had held for seven years. The darkness was profound, and at times, I even experienced psychosis, seeing or hearing things that weren’t there. There were moments when I contemplated ending my life, feeling like a lost child in a forest, utterly stuck. I initiated therapy in 2010, and to this day, I continue with therapy sessions.

A couple of years ago, I was truly trapped, struggling to find a way out. I felt directionless, without hope, and unsure of how to shake off this feeling of being stuck. I was mired in depression, isolating myself at home, suffering from social anxiety, and feeling completely paralyzed.

Everyone has their own story, their own struggles in life. Today, I’d like to share what I’ve learned and hope that it might provide some insights into the concept of being stuck, what causes it, why it happens, and how to break free from it. While I acknowledge that I still have much to learn, this insight is based on my personal experiences and the lessons I’ve absorbed so far. I sincerely hope you’ll find something valuable in it.

So, what does it mean to be “stuck”?

First and foremost, it’s essential to grasp that being stuck is an emotional and psychological experience. It’s not an objective reality, something universally afflicting people around the world. When you declare that you’re stuck, it means you don’t believe you can create or recreate, change, or transform your situation due to some perceived obstacle. There are many moments when I’ve felt profoundly unmotivated in recent years. Being unmotivated equates to being stuck. It often stems from certain beliefs, such as “it won’t make a difference” or “I can’t change it” or “there’s nothing I can do about it,” accompanied by a sense of “why bother?” When these thoughts occupy your mind, that’s when you’re truly stuck. Much of it is a product of your own mind.

Another aspect of being stuck is when you’re utterly overwhelmed. It’s like not knowing where to start or what to do next, attempting to tackle everything simultaneously. Overcommitting, making more promises than you can realistically keep, is another indication of being stuck.

Wishful thinking is another stumbling block. It involves telling yourself things like, “I’ll win the lottery someday and clear all my debts,” or “if this happens, then that will follow.” Wishful thinking can keep you stuck.

Disorganization and scattering your efforts can also lead to feeling stuck. A chaotic, disorganized environment, whether in your finances or administration, can be so overwhelming that you avoid dealing with it, perpetuating the sense of being stuck.

Another aspect of feeling stuck is when you view your circumstances as overwhelmingly powerful and insurmountable. The belief in your powerlessness contributes to this feeling of being stuck.

One of the most significant factors that keep us stuck is fear. Fear of taking action, fear of risks, fear of failure, fear of change, fear of losing what we have (even if we dislike it), and even fear of success. Some people fear that when they attain everything they desire, something bad will happen.

After undergoing numerous therapy sessions and engaging in substantial introspection, I’ve come to realize that we often find ourselves stuck because of a script playing in our heads—a story we tell ourselves. We’re terrified to deviate from that script, repeating the same narrative in our minds when no one is watching, convincing ourselves it’s the truth.

Moreover, we become trapped when we’re uncertain about our own identity and fear discovering who we truly are. We let others define us, dictate our actions, and impose their expectations on us. We limit ourselves by adopting these beliefs. We remain stuck because we’re apprehensive about finding out who we are, as it may reveal our power and creativity. Consequently, we stay put, waiting for a sign or an external force to propel us forward, hoping someone will hand us what we need on a silver platter.

These are some of my experiences with being stuck. So, with these examples in mind, how do you break free from this feeling of being stuck? When you become aware of or recognize that you’re stuck, it’s crucial to acknowledge it. Say to yourself, “I AM STUCK.”

One effective method to overcome being stuck is to enhance your daily spiritual practice. Whether that involves journaling to clear your thoughts, praying for guidance, or meditating to achieve stillness.

It’s vital to identify what you gain from being stuck. Is there a story you’re telling yourself? Are there people in your life who constantly say, “I told you so” or “you can’t do that”? Clarify this. We don’t engage in any behavior unless there’s something to be gained from it. Get clear about your desires and create a vision for yourself. Determine what will make you feel good and make a choice. Choice is potent.

If fear is what keeps you stuck, be prepared to receive a “NO” when you make a choice. Embrace it. If a “NO” comes your way, simply acknowledge it and find another path to reach your desired goal.

I’m still learning, and there are many other valuable strategies to escape the feeling of being stuck. These are just a few insights from my experiences and what I’ve learned. There are moments when I still feel trapped, when social anxiety resurfaces from time to time. However, recognizing the pattern and taking steps to overcome it has been an empowering process.

Whether you can relate to these experiences or not, if you’ve ever faced the challenge of feeling stuck and have found a way to break free or have tips for overcoming this sensation, please share them in the comments below. Your story can offer valuable insights and assistance to others on their journeys.

Thank you for taking the time to read my reflections on being stuck. This journey has contributed significantly to my growth, and I continue to evolve.