How to Get Unstuck by Lynn A. Robinson l Keys to be Happy l Move Forward l Ways to Overcome Ruts l Create Change

Ask Yourself How Can I Make Life Fun?

It may sound like a ridiculous thing to suggest. Fun?! After all you’re in emotional pain. You’re stuck! You hate your situation. But sometimes, taking a different attitude about your plight can offer some new insight. What would be enjoyable for you? It doesn’t need to pertain to the area you’re currently agonizing over. It also doesn’t need to cost a lot, if anything at all. How about a picnic with a friend? Taking a walk with the dog. Attending an outdoor summer concert. Planning a hike in the woods or on the beach. A spur of the moment coffee date with a good friend. None of the suggestions are life altering. They just get your mind thinking about fun and change, rather than staying stuck!

Wouldn’t It Be Great If…

When you ask yourself the question, “What do I want?” you engage the logical, rational side of your brain — the left side. You may also come up with an answer and immediately talk yourself out of it, saying things like it’s “not practical” or it “would take too much money” or “I’m too old for that.” Instead get out a pad of paper and a pen. At the top write the words, “Wouldn’t it be great if…” in big letters and then begin to brainstorm with all the interesting, fun things you’ve always wanted to do. While you’re doing this exercise, don’t try to figure out HOW you could make them happen. Just write. After you’ve exhausted all your ideas, go back and circle the one that feels most appealing. That’s your intuitive right brain at work. Now, ask yourself, “What could I do today to make this a reality?” It can be just a small step. But you’ll find if you keep taking those small steps…voila! You might just get unstuck!