Getting Back on Your Feet When You Feel “Stuck”
Have you ever faced a significant event that left you feeling paralyzed, unable to move forward?
Perhaps you’ve felt this with the loss of a loved one, a painful divorce or end of a relationship, an unexpected life transition, a chronic illness, or even addiction or trauma. These events or experiences can hit us hard, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, confused, and deeply depressed. If you're feeling “stuck,” know that you’re not alone. Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and encountering the unexpected is part of the process.
Feeling “stuck” often stems from a sense of helplessness and an inability to see a path forward. This can manifest as physical exhaustion, mental fog, or an emotional numbness that makes daily activities feel overwhelming. The key is to recognize that this feeling, while intense, is a phase and not a permanent state.
My Personal Story
A few years ago, I retired from a lengthy and successful career to pursue what I thought was my “dream job,” one that I believed would last for many years. It was to be everything I had hoped and prayed for, and I was filled with excitement as I embarked on this new adventure.
However, the reality was far from what I had envisioned. The job I thought would be my dream job turned out to be a huge disappointment. The work environment was toxic, and I faced unexpected challenges that left me feeling overwhelmed and undervalued. The goals I set seemed unreachable, and the support I expected was nonexistent.
This experience left me feeling broken-hearted. The dreams I had nurtured for so long fell apart, leading to overwhelming confusion. I questioned my abilities and my future, feeling like each day was an uphill battle. My passion for work and life was replaced by discouragement and doubt.
I felt "stuck.”
How to Move Forward in the Wake of Life’s Challenges
Thankfully, my story didn’t end there. During this challenging period, I realized that my feelings of being “stuck” were valid but not insurmountable. I did get back on my feet, and now I feel I am truly living out my purpose and calling.
Here are some things that helped me move forward:
Acknowledge the pain and accept your emotions. Avoiding pain and emotions only keeps you “stuck.” Understanding the reality of what you have experienced is crucial to moving forward. It's important to give yourself permission to grieve and process your emotions fully.
Connect with your supports. Reach out to family, friends, or a counsellor. We have been made for connection, and connecting with others can be a critical step towards getting your life back on track. Sometimes, simply talking about your feelings can provide immense relief and new perspectives.
Practice self-care. Self-care is about nurturing your body, soul, and spirit. Ensure you're getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising. Engage in activities that bring you joy and find healthy ways to express your emotions, such as journaling, painting, or music.
Give yourself time. Healing is a process, so be patient and gentle with yourself. Everyone’s timeline is different. It's important to set realistic expectations and celebrate small victories along the way.
Resist negative thoughts. Remind yourself that you’re worthy of being whole again—body, soul, and spirit. Challenge negative self-talk and replace it with affirmations of your identity, strength, and resilience.
Trauma and loss don’t have to define you. This is not the end of your story but an important turning point. Looking back on my experience, I am grateful because it led me to meet amazing people and ultimately brought me to where I am today. Embracing change and viewing it as an opportunity for growth can transform your outlook. Each challenge you face equips you with new skills and perspectives that shape your journey.
Support Options in Saskatoon
If you feel “stuck” and like you can't get back on your feet, our team offers Sozo and counselling services in Saskatoon. Each option provides unique benefits tailored to different needs, and it can be helpful to know the difference between these two options.
Counselling is a process-based therapy, which means you will commonly see your counsellor on a regular basis over a number of months or years. The focus of counselling is to process past trauma or current pain, learn new coping skills, and build healthy relationships. Counselling can also be useful as a “follow-up” service after a Sozo session.
Sozo is not process-based. It is a gentle, safe inner healing and deliverance session. It is typically completed in one or two sessions. The focus of a Sozo session is to reconnect you with God in any area that you’re disconnected. Sozo is also helpful when you feel trapped in cycles of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, and sin. People often come away feeling more at peace and with clarity about what their next steps in life need to be.
Both Sozo and counselling offer valuable pathways to healing and growth, helping you regain your footing and move forward with renewed purpose and confidence.
Reach Out for Support
If you're interested in learning more about counselling or Sozo, or if you want to find out how we can help you get back on your feet, feel free to reach out for a free consultation. Our team is here to support you every step of the way. Remember, you don't have to navigate this journey alone.
