Letters from The Self Hug: For When You Feel Stuck

To those of you who are at a crossroads

I know it can feel frustrating, even scary, when you’re not where you thought you’d be or even when motivation has quietly packed up and left. You might look around and wonder how everyone else is moving forward while you’re standing still. But the truth is, being stuck doesn’t mean you’re broken. It just means something inside you is asking for attention. Not punishment.

Feeling stuck is often a sign that the world inside of you is shifting. It’s a moment when there’s a gap between your old patterns and your goals, but the new ones haven’t fully formed yet. So, while it’s uncomfortable, it’s also where growth quietly begins.

If that resonates with you, I want to offer a few things you can do while you're here:

Name what you’re feeling. Say it out loud or write it down. “I feel lost.” “I feel like I’m failing.” Naming emotions helps reduce their intensity. It’s as if you recognise someone you know and acknowledge them by saying their name. That means you don’t have to be in fight-or-flight mode.

Stop fighting the pause. Instead of trying to "fix" this moment, try sitting with it. Take slow, intentional breaths. Try to journal with this prompt: What is this moment trying to teach me, rather than what is it trying to take from me?

With Flow Journal, you’re free to explore your inner world.

Take one small action. Perhaps start with tidying up a corner of your room. Call a friend. Go for a short walk without your phone. Small actions help to remind you that you're not powerless, even if you feel unsure.

Be radically kind to yourself. Speak to yourself like you would to a close friend. You wouldn’t tell them to “just get over it.” You’d say, “It’s okay to feel this way. You’re doing your best.” So say that out loud. Your inner self needs to hear this from you.

After all, please remember that feeling stuck is not the same as being stuck. You are still growing, even in the quiet and in the confusion. Trust that you’re allowed to pause before the next chapter. Not everything valuable is visible.

You don’t need to rush. You don’t need to know exactly where you’re going. You just need to keep showing up for yourself in small, gentle ways.

And I’m rooting for you, truly.

With love,
The Self Hug

About Our Author

Yanitrasari Widyastuti is a mental health therapist and wellness consultant with a background in psychology and counselling, dedicated to empowering others on their journey to well-being. She believes in the power of empathy to inspire self-discovery and growth. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, she begins her day with a morning walk to her favorite spot for coffee, embracing small rituals that ground her in the present.