To the Girl Who Feels Like She’s Stuck

It’s easy to feel like you’re not going anywhere when you compare your path to someone else’s path. It’s too easy to believe that you’re not doing enough when everyone else is moving on and leaving you behind. But comparing yourself isn’t getting you anywhere.

So how do you pick yourself back up when you’re stuck in a rut? After you’re tired of giving up and wallowing in your own sorrow, follow these reminders.

1 You have choices.

You’re not helpless. You can change your life if you want to. Don’t like your job? Start looking for a new one now. Don’t like your relationship? Leave it. Your life is in your hands, so take action.

2 You’re not stuck, you’re just taking the time to find yourself.

Now that you know what you don’t want to do, you can begin finding what you do want. Life is full of trial and errors. This feeling of being stuck proves that this trial is an error, and that’s okay. Overall, you can now look for the life you want to lead.

3 Everything will pass.

This feeling will pass. This time will pass. You won’t be stuck forever because nothing is permanent. You’re allowed to move on and be free. Accept that this isn’t the end. Take it as motivation to keep fighting for a better future.

4 You don’t have to always have everything figured out.

While some may seem perfect on the outside, they’re all just as lost as you are on the inside. Do not compare your journey to someone else’s. Remind yourself that it’s okay to not have all the answers. You’re allowed to take as much time as you need to figure it out.

5 Understanding that you’re stuck means you’re on the right path.

It means you’re self-aware and paying attention to your needs and desires. So go on and chase your dreams.

6 Being stuck doesn’t mean being a failure.

You haven’t lost at the game of life. Since this is a transition period in your life, it just means you’re getting ready for a new chapter, a new game, a newly opened door.

7 Life doesn’t just happen to you.

Everything happens because you chose it to. You chose your career and friends. But the great thing is if you don’t like it, you can change it. You can get out of your own comfort zone, and do something you wouldn’t normally do. You can date someone you wouldn’t normally go out with. So, follow your wanderlust, and you might just be able to find yourself.

8 Nothing is as scary as it seems.

I know the idea of changing your life, leaving your job or moving away all seem truly insane and impossible but it’s really not. Make today the first day you start making changes. Do what you need to do to start making big changes. Start saving money. Start searching for new jobs. Be more open-minded to new experiences. Good things will come once you start accepting the idea of them into your life.

9 Lastly, you’re allowed to give up.

You’re allowed to spend a couple hours or even a day wallowing in your own sadness. Because soon you will get tired of it. You will become wary of this feeling, and you will finally have the motivation you need to start the first day of the rest of your life.

Life has a lot of ups and downs. We make mistakes and fall into boring routines. Life isn’t always perfect, and everything isn’t always exciting. And that’s okay. In these moments, remember that you’re human, and you have control over your life because you’re a strong woman who can do anything.