I want you to know there is so much hope. If you are stuck, scared, or overwhelmed and trapped in your own head . . . you are in the right place. And yes, girl, in case you arenāt entirely sure, there is more for you. God does have more for you than this.
You might not be.
Life is made up of seasons, and sometimes a season of rest can feel a little like being stuck if youāre used to going a hundred miles an hour all the time. Or you may feel stuck because youāve lost the forest for the trees, and if you pulled up to see the big picture, youād realize just how much progress youāre making. It could be that you are in the middle of a daunting situation thatās so new and challenging that you feel stuck because you are moving slowlyābut keep in mind, you are moving.
So how can you tell if youāre genuinely stuck or just unsure and overthinking things? Letās start with a little quiz to help you figure out where you stand. (Who doesnāt love a quiz?)
Are You Stuck? Quiz
1. Is there a particular situation that has you feeling stuck?
a ) No
b ) Yes
c ) Yesāactually, thereās more than one situation. Like, a lot of situations.
2. Is there an end date to whatever youāre dealing with, such as a deadline or the end of a specific season or timeline?
a ) Yes, the end is in sight!
b ) No, but I really wish there were.
c ) It feels like it will always be this way.
3. Is the sticky situation something you can change or control in any way?
a ) Yes, but sometimes it doesnāt feel like it.
b ) No, the only thing I can control is my attitude about it.
c ) Yes, I can control some of it, but not all of it.
4. Could you make a change today that would help, but you just havenāt yet?
a ) Yes, but I just always feel so overwhelmed.
b ) No. If there were, Iād be doing it.
c ) Iām sure I could be doing something, but I have no clue what to do!
5. Are your feelings about your situation affecting other areas of your life?
a ) Yes, even though Iāve tried not to let it.
b ) Sometimes, but mostly not.
c ) Everything in my life always bleeds into everything else!
6. Do you feel hopeless and defeated?
a ) Yes, I am over everything.
b ) No, I still feel hopeful.
c ) My mood is basically just āJesus, take the wheel.ā
7. Are you proud of how youāve handled this situation?
a ) Not really.
b ) Mostly, yes.
c ) Iām not sure Iāve been proud of myself in a long time.
8. Are your stuck feelings affecting your family, coworkers, or friends?
a ) Yes, Iām sure they are. Iām not at my best.
b ) Mostly not.
c ) One-hundred percent, all the time.
9. Do other people think you are stuck?
a ) Maybe?
b ) No, but maybe a little overwhelmed.
c ) Of course they do!
10. Do you feel alive?
a ) Iām not sure.
b ) Yes, most of the time.
c ) Iām dead on my feet.
11. Do you feel joy?
a ) Sometimes, but itās been rare lately.
b ) Absolutely, just not all the time.
c ) Does awkward stress laughter count?
12. Do you look forward to your day?
a ) Some days more than others.
b ) Mostly, yes.
c ) I dread getting out of bed each morning.
13. Do you look at others with jealousy?
a ) When Iām feeling discouraged, yes. But not nearly so much when I feel good.
b ) Not often.
c ) All. The. Time. I need an Instagram intervention.
14. If you ask the people who know you best, would they say that you are stuck?
a ) Yes, although Iāve tried to hide it.
b ) No, I donāt think so.
c ) No doubt.
15. Do you have a vision for your future?
a ) Itās hazy.
b ) Yes, but how to make it come true has me feeling stuck.
c ) I can barely plan ahead to lunch, let alone the future.
16. Do you know in your heart that you were made for more, but for some reason, you just canāt get over the hump to reach it?
a ) Can I get an amen? Thatās exactly how I feel!
b ) I know I was made for more, and I think Iām well on my way to getting there.
c ) Slow down with made for more. Iām just hanging on by a thread over here!
If you answered mostly As, you are likely right on the line between struggling and stuck. The good news is that you donāt have to lean toward the stuck side. There are things you can do to make sure you stay unstuck.
Mostly Bs? I think you are just going through a rough patch. However, you know yourself best. If you feel deep down that you are stuck, you probably are.
If you answered mostly Cs, I just want to give you a big hug because, girl, welcome to Stuckville. Iāve been there. Letās get you out.
The good news is that it doesnāt have to be like this forever. Friend, you can get unstuck. I pinky swear! The God of the universe is on your side and in your corner and partnering with you for a life that is wild and free. You are completely capable of having a life filled with peace and deep joy and expectancy.
A life without being stuck. A life without all the overwhelm. And a life where you have learned how to press forward amid fear.
This is a life worth living. Are you ready?
