This Black Woman and Being “Stuck”

The idea comes. It lights up the darkness in my mind. I feel a surge of inspiration flutter through my veins. Butterflies in my stomach. Possibility! “I can do this.” “This will be great.” “It will be amazing.” Those precious moments before “reality” sets in. Before my programming sets in. Before the survival instincts of my brain that doesn’t want me to take any risks sets in. The idea, if it’s a really great one, often wants me to travel beyond the barriers of my comfort zone and before I know it, my mind takes over to convince me to stay in the realm of the familiar and comfortable. No one can discourage me, like I can discourage myself. I concede quietly, almost immediately, then, I find myself stuck.

 One of the most sinister things about being stuck is that it can be hard to detect. It happens gradually, and because it is most exclusively my own voice inside my head lulling me slowly back into comfort paralysis, I don’t even notice it. I have convinced myself that I am better off, as is, for the foreseeable future. “I’m fine.” “It’s not for me.” “It’s not worth the risk or the trouble.” Most of the time I can carry on with life using such trivial excuses to soothe my inaction, but when the “idea” is important to my Soul’s purpose, it doesn’t give up so easily. The synapses once firing through my brain and cells in the form of inspiration, unexpressed becomes anxiety. The idea seeks expression and inaction is not an option. Further disobedience just leads to greater anxiety for great ideas are blessings in the form of energy that has been entrusted to be expressed through you.

 I’m not always obedient because there is not enough convincing myself that I am enough, capable enough, to do all the things that have been entrusted to manifest through me. During those times my anxiety grows, and my self-esteem takes a hit. Other times when I can convince myself that I am capable enough, or the whisper from my Soul is much louder and clearer than the whispers of my fears, and that louder, clearer voice is demanding my obedience, I take small steps to bring the idea to life. Something as small as making a “to-do” list o writing out down what I need to learn is enough to make the anxiety if inaction dissipate. Initially, effective action is hardly leaps and bounds, but it is movement, idea-centered energy being expressed. Pits sweating, leaning into uncertainty, I continue to take strategic action toward result hoped for. If I am progressing, so do the actions I am taking and eventually I will accomplish what I set out to.

Being stuck is an interesting thing. It can show up in the form of inaction, never taking a step towards what you want to accomplish. We can also be stuck in being busy, filling our day and time with ineffective tasks that exhaust our restless need for expression, but never bring us to the full realization of our goal. Constantly researching and learning instead of applying the knowledge we have acquired is another form of stuck, and so is not knowing what the next step is and refusing to ask for help. The most detrimental form of being stuck is to ignore your own need to progress and convince yourself that you are okay with it. There is greatness inside of each of us and it is often dying to be expressed. Take a step. Take a chance. Get unstuck and allow that greatness to shine through as it was appointed to do. You must take the first step.

Here are a few tips on getting unstuck.

1. Get crystal clear on what you want to accomplish. Write it out.
2. Be honest with yourself about what you are doing that is not working. (I know I am not in alignment when I have time to watch copious amounts of Netflix.)
3. Determine what needs to be done in order to accomplish your goals. This includes figuring out what you know and what you don't.
4. Get help (seek out or hire) on what you do not know.
5. Get accountability to stay on task for your goals. Position yourself around like minds and invest in continued guidance.
6. Celebrate the small steps. Your large vision is comprised of several small, but significant steps.

I share my insights and tips to give your hope and direction in your journey. Best wishes.