Episode 064: From Stuck to Forward: Small Steps to Overcome Overwhelm

Welcome back to another episode of Live Your Truth Love Your Life. Today, I'm opening up about a common but often challenging experience—feeling stuck and overwhelmed—and sharing some simple, actionable ways to help you move forward, even on the toughest days.
Feeling Stuck is a Universal Experience
Feeling stuck is a universal experience, especially during times of loss, grief, or significant life changes. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the expectations we set for ourselves, often holding ourselves to standards that are not just unrealistic but also unkind on days when things aren't going our way.
Giving Yourself Grace
The first step in overcoming these feelings is to give yourself grace. Recognize that your 'best' on difficult days won't look the same as your best on your best days. This understanding is crucial because it helps to set more compassionate and realistic expectations for yourself.
Understanding and Acknowledging Your Feelings
I shared a simple yet profound method to help articulate and confront these feelings:
- How do I feel right now? This question isn't just about identifying your emotions but understanding their physical manifestations too. Are you tense? Exhausted? Nervous? Write these feelings down and see them laid out in front of you, which can be incredibly validating and a first step towards managing them.
- How do I want to feel? This question encourages you to look beyond the current moment and define what an ideal state would look like for you today. It's about setting a target—not for the distant future, but for right now. How can you inch closer to that feeling?
- What is the smallest thing I can do today to feel the way I want to feel? The essence of moving from feeling stuck to forward is identifying small, practical steps that you can take immediately. These aren't monumental tasks but simple actions like making your bed, taking a short walk, or even just stepping outside for a few deep breaths.
It's About Small Wins
Today’s discussion revolves around the power of small wins. When you’re overwhelmed, the key isn't to overhaul your entire life overnight but to make small, incremental changes that collectively transform how you feel and interact with the world around you. It's about recognizing that even tiny actions can significantly impact your mental and emotional well-being.
Join the Conversation
I’d love to hear how you deal with feelings of being stuck and what small steps have helped you move forward. Share your stories and insights, as your experiences can offer support and inspiration to others navigating similar challenges.
Thank you for tuning in, and have a great week!
Today's prompt is about acknowledging where you are and figuring out small, manageable steps to improve your day. Let's simplify the process and focus on practical, achievable actions.
How Do I Feel Right Now?
- Take a moment to reflect on your current emotional and physical state. Write down exactly how you're feeling. Try to be as specific as possible—identify not just the emotion but also how it manifests in your body.
How Do I Want to Feel?
- Envision how you ideally want to feel. Describe this in detail, considering both the emotional and physical aspects. If envisioning your best day feels overwhelming, focus on how you'd like to feel just for today.
What is the Smallest Thing I Can Do Today to Feel the Way I Want to Feel?
- Think about the smallest, most doable action you can take today that will help you move toward feeling the way you want to feel. This should be something simple and achievable, not something that adds pressure or stress.
This exercise is designed to ground you in your current experience, help you clarify your desired state, and identify practical steps to bridge the gap. By focusing on small actions, you can gradually make your days better without feeling overwhelmed.
Take your time with these questions. Sit with them, revisit them, and most importantly, act on them. It’s time to turn your insight into action.
There are no limits to this exercise - let your mind roam free, and be as detailed and creative as you can. The more vivid your visualization, the more tangible your dream will feel.
This is your time, your moment, your opportunity to make magic. Believe in your own potential, and let's see where this journey can take us. Happy journaling!