Stuck In The Stages of Life
Sometimes we get stuck in a rut, or a certain stage of life and we start feeling stuck. We feel like nothing ever changes or we do the same old boring things all the time. It’s easy to get upset, sad, angry and frustrated when this happens. We feel these things because we think we have no other choice, or there’s nothing we can do to change it. This might be true for certain circumstances, but what it might take instead is a mindset change.
Have you ever had those times that you were doing something you just hated, and you wished you were in a better situation. Then, all of a sudden, you are in that better situation and you’re happy for awhile, but then start looking forward to the next best situation?
This phenomenon happens because we’re human. Almost every single person on this planet has experienced this. It’s normal, but there are ways to how you approach situations and how you look at your life in general.
The greatest thing that works for me is writing down affirmations and gratitude. Even just thinking about what you’re grateful for can have a profound impact on your brain, but the concreteness of writing it down really works for me.
About 10 years ago, I was in a situation I really didn't want to be in. I wanted something so bad I thought I could taste it. Now that I have it, I realize that it’s a lot harder to be in the moment of it. In our heads, we work up an idealized situation of what things are going to look like and how they’re going to play out. When we eventually don’t end up feeling exactly that way, we become dissatisfied with our current situation and start to dream about the next thing.
Remember, everything in life comes to you when you need it. Whether that’s a lesson you need to learn, whether that’s to become a better person, or a stronger person - we are here to learn these lessons so that we can pass on to others the good things we retain.
Also remember that nothing lasts forever. Things change in a blink of a moment. For me, it’s the young children at home stage. I still get a giggle out of the reel on Facebook about leaving the house with kids and without. It’s truly a task and a half trying to pack up all the kids to go anywhere. I miss the days when it was just me. On the other hand, I also love my family with every fibre of my being, and it just wouldn't be the same without my three kids.
We absolutely do have choices - you can choose to be miserable and bemoan the fact that you hate your life right now. You can remain miserable, and let everyone around you feel that misery as well. Remember, you are what you say and feel. I will tell you right now, people will be miserable around you if you remain bitter. They will try to avoid you and your interactions with others won’t be pleasant. OR, you can choose to change your mindset and go with the flow. Realize that the situation you’re in isn’t permanent, and that it will eventually change. Also, be grateful because at some point, you wanted this. You may not want to admit it, but at some point, in your deepest recess, the thought of being in the spot you are currently in is something you thought about and called into action. Thoughts and words have power. What you give a voice to comes into being in magical and mysterious ways. There is a reason for everything even if you can’t see it right now. It might not even be for you to see - maybe it’s a lesson for your partner, your children, your co-workers or some other person in your life.
Go with the flow, work with what you have and do the things you need to do to keep pushing forward. Enjoy every little positive moment you can, because we all know this life is coming to an end. We certainly don’t live forever.
Also, if your situation is particularily hard (death of a loved one, or a terminal illness for yourself or a family member), take breaks and be kind to yourself. Give yourself appropriate rest breaks and treat yourself when necessary. Maybe you need a rest, a hot bath or a break from a difficult task. Do not be afraid to ask for help. No one will know what you need if you don’t communicate it.
The main thing to remember is that we always have a choice. It’s what you choose to do that defines you.
❤️ Sandra
