I think we get stuck when we don't listen to our bodies and keep pushing them just because it was the only way we knew. But once they break, it is time to stop and listen to them. That's the way you start to get unstuck, looking inwards, paying attention to your heart, your soul and living by them. Thanks for sharing your journey.
"Getting stuck is actually an opportunity, because it means life as you knew it is done—and now you are being invited into a new chapter" I love this. Exactly what I needed to read right now
Do you know Dr Yonit Arthur, chronic dizziness is her specialty. I really encourage you to check out her website, and yt Channel. You can also listen to her interview on the Curable podcast "Like mind like body" an episode called smtg like "non-pain symptoms are curable". Sending you much much courage and love. Take care 💛
Sending you lots of get well vibes. You know how much I love your newsletters so much.
I’ve been feeling a little stuck lately. So much so, I just paused on a newsletter I’d written for tomorrow, all about how I’m trying to navigate tinnitus and the relentless daily tension headaches.
Who wants to read about tinnitus I thought?!
So thank you for sharing your truth and how you’re feeling so stuck right now. It’s encouraging me to keep on keeping on, regardless of all the stuckness (is that even a word?) and frustrations of living with a very invisible condition. And maybe another tinnitus sufferer might connect through my newsletter if I’m brave enough to share it. 🤪
Yes, I think people can relate and feel seen whether they have the specific condition or not. So many of us are suffering—often silently and in our little silos. I’m sorry you’ve been having tinnitus and tension headaches. Me too! Those are two of my symptoms. I do believe the body speaks to us, and it makes us slow down when we are going too fast, doing too much. I hope you feel better soon! <3
Aww how are you feeling this weekend? I hope you’ve managed to rest. I’m doing lots of research around tinnitus. Fascinating stuff. Hopeful I’ll be able to manage it through hypnotherapy. And yes the body does keep the score. Sending big hugs x
Oh Anne, your words have reached me at the perfect time! I actually came to your newsletter to look back at an old post and realised you had published this and I promise you it's been like a sign of the universe reading "Getting stuck is actually an opportunity, because it means life as you knew it is done—and now you are being invited into a new chapter. You simply HAVE to remake your life in order to move forward." Thanks for remind us of the power we have to change our circumstances and how we may just need a bit of perspective to make the move.
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling stuck, Cristina, but I’m so glad my words helped you look forward. It’s so hard when life has stopped us in our tracks. I hope you can find your way out of the stuckness soon!
Last week for my Tergar meditation class on Shamata, we covered the 5 hindrances, which often leave us feeling stuck in our practice. Mingyur Rinpoche cleverly turned things around, stating they actually indicate progress. The fifth hindrance is doubt. Upon reflection, I think it simply means we need to keep the faith.
It’s so helpful to think that getting stuck is progress. Reflecting on all the times I have been, it rings true. On the precipice of the future I have not yet imagined.
Retirement was my wonderful new life. 12 years ago. No regrets whatsoever. I’m busier than ever, but it’s things I choose to do. I’m so lucky. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.
I like the image of "flip it." I think of those clever people on HGTV who buy worn-out houses, then reconfigure and renovate them into beauty and workability.
What's worth keeping? What must go? How to keep good bones but make it right for the way we live now? And so on.
I am a lawyer, bioethicist, and former political and legislative advisor turned Life and Career Coach for Women. Through my Substack newsletter, The Creative Advocate, I’ve been writing extensively about the importance of Life Design. Good design is the foundation of any successful project, whether personal, professional, legislative, or engineering. But good design isn’t just about having a plan; it’s about choosing the right framework and taking strategic action. That means making intentional decisions, not just about what to do, but also about what not to do. Too often, people overlook the latter.
Healing can't be done, it has to be allowed; question = what do we do to prevent and hinder it? Feeling stuck = part of healing. It brings feelings that couldn't be felt when trauma happened.
I won't see the ice-flowers if I won't let the water freeze; likewise I can't heal if I won't feel all there is to be felt, esp. feeling stuck.
Hang in there, Anne. I send lots of healing vibes and complete trust in your path. I marvel at your ability to keep showing up here for us and for you. Thank you for your wisdom and your generosity.
I was feeling stuck earlier this week. I really hate the daily grind of a 9-5 job, even if I do work from home. I've moved to a new state, yes, and I'm surrounded by all this history, and I want to go and EXPLORE, yet I have to work this dumb job. I have long wanted to get away from the 9-5 thing, but I have no idea how to go about it because financial insecurity is a very real thing.
I'm sorry the Meniere's disease is giving you issues. I hope that you can use this time to rest and heal!
Cheers to you for continuing the small experiments. I live with side effects of cancer surgery in my small intestine. Things can be …unpredictable. One of the best gifts my endocrinologist gave me was permission to experiment. I’m very much a “tell me what to do and I will be the most compliant patient you ever saw” person. But he emphasized to me that there was no one way to manage my new body. I still get frustrated when what I’ve been doing no longer works, and angry at myself when I do things that I know are bad choices for me. But I remind myself I have agency. Best wishes to you as you continue to work through things.
"my new body" is something I think about a lot. Though my physical form stays more or less the same from year to year, my metabolism, and hormones, and all this stuff that is unseen is changing and impacts how I live my life. It's my "new body" different from last year's body.
I hope the side effects get easier for you to handle, Cara.
Thank you, Cara! And my best to you as well as you adjust to the new conditions in your body. It sounds like you’ve got a good ally, which is wonderful! Thank you for writing!
Odd to think that I've lived most of my life up THERE in my head, that balloon that I've followed around, chasing, trying to catch up to, most of my life. Whatever story it's been telling me, I've been learning to be a little more curious about...kinda like a child that's telling a bit of a fib to get off the hook...Oh, REEAlly? Tell me about that? Curious compassion leads me to live better. Stuck? It's like there are these patterns. Did you ever draw something ALL THE TIME as a child? I'm learning to spot these patterns, so it's a bit like undoing some knitting when I see something that doesn't work for me. It's never a whole picture thing, it's more a bit at a time. And, yes, sometimes it takes some "downtime", taking stock because that's just where I am. Thanks Anne for sharing this. You've got such a great smile and you've done this big thing, it would be easy to assume, "See, she's got it all together! It's easy for HER..." Being Audacious means bravery on many levels, it's so great to see your example. Sister trees in the forest seek to grow together.
I think we get stuck when we don't listen to our bodies and keep pushing them just because it was the only way we knew. But once they break, it is time to stop and listen to them. That's the way you start to get unstuck, looking inwards, paying attention to your heart, your soul and living by them. Thanks for sharing your journey.
"Getting stuck is actually an opportunity, because it means life as you knew it is done—and now you are being invited into a new chapter" I love this. Exactly what I needed to read right now
Do you know Dr Yonit Arthur, chronic dizziness is her specialty. I really encourage you to check out her website, and yt Channel. You can also listen to her interview on the Curable podcast "Like mind like body" an episode called smtg like "non-pain symptoms are curable". Sending you much much courage and love. Take care 💛
Thank you, Miyoko! A friend shared her work with me, which has been great. Definitely starting to feel better.
Sending you lots of get well vibes. You know how much I love your newsletters so much.
I’ve been feeling a little stuck lately. So much so, I just paused on a newsletter I’d written for tomorrow, all about how I’m trying to navigate tinnitus and the relentless daily tension headaches.
Who wants to read about tinnitus I thought?!
So thank you for sharing your truth and how you’re feeling so stuck right now. It’s encouraging me to keep on keeping on, regardless of all the stuckness (is that even a word?) and frustrations of living with a very invisible condition. And maybe another tinnitus sufferer might connect through my newsletter if I’m brave enough to share it. 🤪
Yes, I think people can relate and feel seen whether they have the specific condition or not. So many of us are suffering—often silently and in our little silos. I’m sorry you’ve been having tinnitus and tension headaches. Me too! Those are two of my symptoms. I do believe the body speaks to us, and it makes us slow down when we are going too fast, doing too much. I hope you feel better soon! <3
Aww how are you feeling this weekend? I hope you’ve managed to rest. I’m doing lots of research around tinnitus. Fascinating stuff. Hopeful I’ll be able to manage it through hypnotherapy. And yes the body does keep the score. Sending big hugs x
Oh Anne, your words have reached me at the perfect time! I actually came to your newsletter to look back at an old post and realised you had published this and I promise you it's been like a sign of the universe reading "Getting stuck is actually an opportunity, because it means life as you knew it is done—and now you are being invited into a new chapter. You simply HAVE to remake your life in order to move forward." Thanks for remind us of the power we have to change our circumstances and how we may just need a bit of perspective to make the move.
I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling stuck, Cristina, but I’m so glad my words helped you look forward. It’s so hard when life has stopped us in our tracks. I hope you can find your way out of the stuckness soon!
Thank you, Anne! It turns out I have 😊
Last week for my Tergar meditation class on Shamata, we covered the 5 hindrances, which often leave us feeling stuck in our practice. Mingyur Rinpoche cleverly turned things around, stating they actually indicate progress. The fifth hindrance is doubt. Upon reflection, I think it simply means we need to keep the faith.
It’s so helpful to think that getting stuck is progress. Reflecting on all the times I have been, it rings true. On the precipice of the future I have not yet imagined.
Interesting! Feeling stuck is a symptom of losing faith, I suppose. And looking forward it its rebirth. :)
On solitude as a means of accepting doubt.
https://tricycle.org/article/becoming-aflame/?utm_source=Tricycle&utm_campaign=27eb38c63b-Daily_Dharma_3_2_2025_Subs&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1641abe55e-27eb38c63b-308337981?utm_campaign=02262872&utm_source=p3s4h3r3s
Retirement was my wonderful new life. 12 years ago. No regrets whatsoever. I’m busier than ever, but it’s things I choose to do. I’m so lucky. Sending heaps of hugs and best wishes.
Thank you, Beth!
I like the image of "flip it." I think of those clever people on HGTV who buy worn-out houses, then reconfigure and renovate them into beauty and workability.
What's worth keeping? What must go? How to keep good bones but make it right for the way we live now? And so on.
Love how you took the metaphor and ran with it! 🥰
Lovely 🌹🕊️🐉
I am a lawyer, bioethicist, and former political and legislative advisor turned Life and Career Coach for Women. Through my Substack newsletter, The Creative Advocate, I’ve been writing extensively about the importance of Life Design. Good design is the foundation of any successful project, whether personal, professional, legislative, or engineering. But good design isn’t just about having a plan; it’s about choosing the right framework and taking strategic action. That means making intentional decisions, not just about what to do, but also about what not to do. Too often, people overlook the latter.
I’m glad you are writing about this. It’s such a helpful approach. Thank you!
Healing can't be done, it has to be allowed; question = what do we do to prevent and hinder it? Feeling stuck = part of healing. It brings feelings that couldn't be felt when trauma happened.
I won't see the ice-flowers if I won't let the water freeze; likewise I can't heal if I won't feel all there is to be felt, esp. feeling stuck.
Wise words. Thank you, Okeko!
Hang in there, Anne. I send lots of healing vibes and complete trust in your path. I marvel at your ability to keep showing up here for us and for you. Thank you for your wisdom and your generosity.
I second these thoughts!
Thank YOU, Cynthia!!
I was feeling stuck earlier this week. I really hate the daily grind of a 9-5 job, even if I do work from home. I've moved to a new state, yes, and I'm surrounded by all this history, and I want to go and EXPLORE, yet I have to work this dumb job. I have long wanted to get away from the 9-5 thing, but I have no idea how to go about it because financial insecurity is a very real thing.
I'm sorry the Meniere's disease is giving you issues. I hope that you can use this time to rest and heal!
Thank you, Melissa! Good luck finding the time to get out there!
Cheers to you for continuing the small experiments. I live with side effects of cancer surgery in my small intestine. Things can be …unpredictable. One of the best gifts my endocrinologist gave me was permission to experiment. I’m very much a “tell me what to do and I will be the most compliant patient you ever saw” person. But he emphasized to me that there was no one way to manage my new body. I still get frustrated when what I’ve been doing no longer works, and angry at myself when I do things that I know are bad choices for me. But I remind myself I have agency. Best wishes to you as you continue to work through things.
"my new body" is something I think about a lot. Though my physical form stays more or less the same from year to year, my metabolism, and hormones, and all this stuff that is unseen is changing and impacts how I live my life. It's my "new body" different from last year's body.
I hope the side effects get easier for you to handle, Cara.
Thank you, Cara! And my best to you as well as you adjust to the new conditions in your body. It sounds like you’ve got a good ally, which is wonderful! Thank you for writing!
Odd to think that I've lived most of my life up THERE in my head, that balloon that I've followed around, chasing, trying to catch up to, most of my life. Whatever story it's been telling me, I've been learning to be a little more curious about...kinda like a child that's telling a bit of a fib to get off the hook...Oh, REEAlly? Tell me about that? Curious compassion leads me to live better. Stuck? It's like there are these patterns. Did you ever draw something ALL THE TIME as a child? I'm learning to spot these patterns, so it's a bit like undoing some knitting when I see something that doesn't work for me. It's never a whole picture thing, it's more a bit at a time. And, yes, sometimes it takes some "downtime", taking stock because that's just where I am. Thanks Anne for sharing this. You've got such a great smile and you've done this big thing, it would be easy to assume, "See, she's got it all together! It's easy for HER..." Being Audacious means bravery on many levels, it's so great to see your example. Sister trees in the forest seek to grow together.
🩷