Hello #JustWrite!! This month we are discussing the freedom of becoming unstuck. Most of us have been through seasons where we have felt stuck and uncertain of what would happen next. It's like, life hits us hard and the expected daily routines become stagnant and it seems there isn't a definite way to move forward or to get out. In some cases, we just become comfortable with our present reality or what is before us because we fear change. How does one become stuck? When I think of becoming stuck, I think of glue. Glue is any type of fluid adhesive that once it's on something it's hard to remove without some form of solvent, or chemical that dissolves. As believers we become stuck in how we view our circumstances. Instead of seeing an opportunity to improve, we avoid the process or try to justify our mindset. Fear becomes that glue that sticks to us because of past mistakes and experiences. As writers, we become stuck through our moments of writer's block. I wrote more about that subject in May 2017 (The Write Mentality: Overcoming Writer's Block) during a season where I was feeling defeated and tapped out when it came to writing and creativity, while processing so many emotions. It was the negative feelings I was processing that became the glue that continuously stuck to me. It was through rest, prayer, and understanding (reading the Bible and wise counsel) that I was able to grow. That was my solution or solvent (glue analogy.) How does one become unstuck? Here are 7 tips from Psychology Today that help others to become unstuck:
1.Let go of the past. Listen to the stories in your head. ...
2.Change your perspective. ...
3.Start with small changes. ...
4.Explore your purpose. ...
5.Believe in yourself. ...
6.Practice being hopeful. ...
7.Consider talking to a professional.
The article was originally written to support women's mental health, but I find that anyone can apply these tips and strategies. You can find the full article here. The 7th tip, speaking with a professional can sometimes be a surprise suggestion to us as believers due to society's stigma of counseling. Speaking with a therapist or a trusted minister can be the best decision we can make because when we are alone it is easy to talk ourselves out of what's God's will for us.
Just like glue, we need a solvent (solution) to help us know that we are not in control, but God is in control. Everything that does or doesn't happen is in His will and His timing. Remember, John 8:36, "Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed." NKJV
Let us all be free and no longer bound in Jesus name, Amen!!
In His service,
Lequvia Ousley
