Life at a Standstill: Escape or Wait?
In a moment, the world came to a standstill
—Lailah Gifty Akita
Sometimes in life, we find ourselves at a standstill, at a crossroad waiting, or on a path that is going nowhere. We all have experienced moments like this. At least once in our lifetime, we have been in situations where we are held back by a circumstance, a person, or even just by time itself.
How does this feel like? Powerless. It feels like we don’t have any control over our lives and we are being held back. We feel trapped in a certain situation, and we are paralyzed by our fears.
What do we do then? First, you have to identify the root cause why you are at a standstill. Do some self-inquiry to determine why you feel trapped in life. Is it an internal or an external block? Is it a person or a situation that is holding you back, or is it you blocking your own self? After you find the answers, move on to creative thinking. Creative thinking will help you figure a way out and stops you from feeling trapped. Then take action. It could be making small adjustments, getting professional help, asking for help, or building a support system. It does not matter if your action is just tiny step or a big, mighty leap; what is important is that you do something to escape your current situation.
What do we do in the meantime? Know that it is only temporary. If you keep in mind that “life is always a matter of waiting for the right moment to act” (Paulo Coelho), you won’t resent so much being on a standstill. Remember this time of waiting allows you the chance to rest and regroup. It allows you to make sure that your priorities are clear and that your action plans are well thought of. Embrace this waiting time because as Craig Bruce puts it: “You usually have to wait for that which is worth waiting for.”
Sources:
Lucie, Olivia. “Feeling Like You’re at a Standstill in Life.” Last modified June 10, 2021.
https://olivialucieblake.com/2021/10/06/feeling-like-youre-at-a-standstill-in-life/.
Lyons, Meg. “Feeling Stuck? 7 Ways to Climb Out of a Stump.” Last modified February 3, 2022.
Sharpe, Rachel. “Feeling Trapped? 15 Ways to Escape the Life You Have.” Last modified June 21, 2022.