Today, I want to share some insights with you. I wonder if you’ve ever experienced something similar.
Sometimes, I feel the urge to write but can’t put a single word on paper, or I want to draw and paint but lack the spark to start. Other times, I dream of traveling but get stuck, not knowing where to go or how to even begin planning. These moments of wanting yet being unable to act always seem to stem from the same issue: not knowing where to start. It’s as if all these desires share a common starting point. So, what should we do in these moments? Should we just begin without overthinking, or should we wait until clarity finds us?
I’ve always felt that moving forward is a good option, but perhaps there are times when waiting is the better choice. Have you ever found yourself asking these questions? What did you do when faced with this uncertainty? What helped you move past it?
The Joy of Creating in All Its Forms
I love expressing myself artistically—whether it’s through writing, exploring new places, drawing, or painting. And I especially enjoy doing all these things together, without sacrificing one for the other. It’s not about choosing between them but rather finding a rhythm (a rhythm unique to me) where I can embrace them all. But here’s where it gets tricky: whenever I get stuck, it’s not just in one area but in all of them. It’s like hitting a mental roadblock that ripples through everything I want to do, leaving me feeling paralyzed.
In such moments, I believe the best thing we can do is gather our courage and take that first step, no matter how small. By taking that first step, we create momentum that carries us forward.
Getting Unstuck: Small Shifts, Big Changes
For example, if you don’t know what to write, perhaps it’s a sign that writing isn’t what you need right now. Maybe speaking is more freeing in that moment. Try recording your voice—let your thoughts flow without judgment. You might be surprised by how freeing it feels. Later, you can listen back, refine those thoughts, and piece them together into a cohesive piece. Suddenly, you’ve written something without even realizing it.
The same concept applies to other creative areas. Let’s take drawing, for instance. If you can’t focus on sketching, maybe start by looking at some inspiring visuals. Play with colors, browse through old photographs, or examine details in artworks you love. This exploration could spark a new idea, leading you to pick up your pencil with renewed energy. And what about travel? If you’re yearning for a trip but don’t know where to go, start by taking short daily walks. Allow yourself to explore your surroundings with fresh eyes, like a traveler seeing them for the first time. Notice the trees, flowers, and people around you. This simple act of walking can remind you of the joy of discovery, helping you find that spark to plan a bigger adventure.
Trying New Techniques to Break Free
Sometimes, even when we know what we want, figuring out how to start can be challenging. If our minds are weighed down by countless worries or to-dos, it’s natural to feel blocked. This is when trying new approaches can make all the difference. Here are a few methods that help me when I feel stuck:
1. Yoga
Whenever I can’t seem to get started on something, yoga always helps. It allows me to focus on my breath, my movements, and my body in the present moment. It’s a grounding practice that slows down my thoughts, aligning them with the rhythm of my breath. By grounding myself in the here and now, I can release the tension around “having to start” and simply be in the flow.
2. Exercise
When even yoga feels too challenging, I turn to more repetitive exercises. This could be something as simple as walking, running, cycling, or even jumping rope if you enjoy it. The key is to focus entirely on the movement, letting your mind take a break from overthinking.
3. Dancing
Dancing is a beautiful way to lose yourself in the moment. When you dance, there’s no room for overthinking—only the music, your movements, and the feelings they bring. It’s a joyful escape that takes you away from endless questions and brings you back to the simplicity of the present moment. Plus, it’s both mentally and physically uplifting.
4. Meditation
And of course, I can’t leave out meditation. When I notice inner turmoil bubbling up, I remind myself to just pause and breathe. I close my eyes, focus on my breath, and let go of all thoughts. The goal isn’t to achieve anything or force solutions but simply to exist in the present. Letting everything be as it is can be incredibly healing, allowing you to break free from the cycle of “I want to start, but I don’t know how.”
Embracing Yourself as You Are
I think I’ve shared enough for today. But before I go, I want to add one last thing: We need to embrace ourselves as we are, mistakes and all. Only then can we give ourselves the opportunity to grow and change in positive ways.
So, what about you? What helps you get unstuck when you find yourself unable to start? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.
Until next time, remember to be gentle with yourself and keep moving forward, one small step at a time.
