Help, I Feel Stuck in Life! (5 Ways to Get Unstuck)
Somewhere along the thin line between night’s inky darkness and the hoary glow of daybreak, I place a flat palm on the frosted windowpane. It’s late winter in our world. Throughout the past few winters, I’ve stood at this same window countless times and whispered, “Help me, Lord. I feel stuck in life right now.”
We all feel stuck at times.
We feel stuck in habits we cannot break, jobs we don’t enjoy, and callings that suck the life from our bodies.
What do we do when we feel stuck in life?
Let’s talk about it together today.
Help, I Feel Stuck in Life
As I stand at the window, I remind myself of the lessons I’ve learned throughout past winters.
I make my way downstairs and commit to doing the things that help me remain joyful and encouraged.
If you can relate, I pray these five simple ideas will help you find joy and replenishment, as well.
1. Put something fun on the calendar.
When I’m feeling stuck, knowing there’s something to look forward to can be immensely helpful. It doesn’t have to be a huge event; it simply needs to be something you enjoy.
When winter starts to get me down, my husband often encourages me to go to the woods on a Saturday afternoon. A long walk in the woods, a little bit of time lingering by a creek, and even an hour in my car with worship music refreshes me.
Would you feel refreshed by spending an afternoon at a coffee shop with a good book, enjoying a long visit with an old friend, or heading out for a day on the ski slopes? Put it on the calendar. Taking time to refresh ourselves is important.
What could you put on your calendar that would help you lift your head?
2. Spend even a few minutes outside each day.
Even if it’s cold, time under the open sky is refreshing. Stepping outside opens our eyes to God’s creative work.
Scientific research indicates that time outside is good for the body and the mind. In Japan, they call it taking a “forest bath.” If you’re feeling stuck, get outside.
Breathe deeply.
Move your body.
Look to the sky and take your mind off yourself for just a few minutes.
The heavens declare the glory of God, and we all need this reminder of his glory from time to time. (Read here for a post about what happens to your body and mind when you spend time outdoors.)
3. Overcome the “I Feel Stuck Mentality” by creating something with your hands.
Activating the creative part of the brain stimulates energy.
Try painting an inspirational quote on a piece of cardstock and hanging it on the fridge.
Download a coloring page and get to work with your child or by yourself.
Try a new recipe.
Paint the chair that’s looking weathered or rearrange and redecorate a room in your house. You don’t have to spend money. Simply rearrange the furniture and the decorations. Create a cozy space that feels peaceful.
For the past ten years, I’ve painted a different room in our house almost every winter. My winter painting projects are immediate countenance boosters.
4. Find someone to encourage.
Proverbs 11:25 reminds us that we are refreshed by refreshing others.
When I’m feeling down, it helps to take my eyes off my circumstances and pray about which of my friends might need a word of encouragement.
Sending a text, email, or a card in the mail will brighten someone’s day, and it will brighten yours as well.
When I’m feeling down, it helps to take my eyes off my circumstances and pray about which of my friends might need a word of encouragement. #unstuck #encouragement Click To Tweet5. Count your blessings.
Focusing on God’s blessings can help us cultivate joy. Recent studies in brain science even indicate that giving thanks is good for the brain.
Start a list of blessings, or begin each day by giving thanks for a few of God’s gifts. This practice can actually change the matter in your brain and help you become a more joyful person.
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Whether these words find you soaring high on a surprisingly warm winter day, trudging through the depths of a dark winter valley, or somewhere in between, my prayer is that you will find encouragement. Keep pressing forward. You don’t have to settle for staying stuck.
I Feel Stuck in Life: A Free Devotional Book to Help
When I feel stuck, a good devotional book often lifts my head. Hope for Hard Days is my free 10-day online devotional to help you hold onto hope when life is tough. You will find 10 readings to help you connect with God and claim his peace. Click here and I’ll send it to your email inbox today for free with promo code HOPE.
God is waiting to help you accomplish what you’ve been unable to do for yourself!
God wants to heal your heart, refresh your soul, and help you find freedom in every stuck area of your life! Let my new book, Lean Into Grace. show you how to experience God’s presence and power like never before. This book is free on the Kindle Unlimited plan and available to buy in print for 12.99. Find it here today!
Calling All Mothers and Daughters!
Lastly, in addition to writing to adults, I am passionate about ministering to the next generation.
Would you like to connect with your tween or teen daughter and help her grow closer to God? My 12-year-old daughter, Bekah, and I wrote a mother-daughter devotional book just for you. Girl to Girl: 60 Mother-Daughter Devotions for a Closer Relationship and Deeper Faith includes 60 devotions with Scripture, commentaries from both of us, conversation starters, and even a shared journaling section.
Our vision is for girls ages 7-17 to enjoy it with their moms, grandmas, or older women they look up to. However, mothers and daughters of all ages are using this book to grow closer together! This book makes a wonderful gift for a mother or daughter you care about!
You can buy your paperback or eBook on Amazon right here.
