Macbook, air pods, pen on journal sitting on desk.

New Year, Same Stress?

We’re at the start of January and if you’re already feeling behind, stressed, overwhelmed, or stuck in familiar patterns, you’re not alone.

For a lot of people, December is a blur of holidays, family, social commitments, and time off routine. Then January hits and suddenly there’s pressure to catch up, get motivated, and move forward as if nothing interrupted the momentum.

But many people aren’t feeling energized or inspired right now.
They’re feeling tired. Foggy. Behind.
Like it’s “new year, same me.”

And that can quickly turn into self-judgment:
Why can’t I get going? What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel stuck?

Here’s the truth: feeling this way doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human.

Feeling Stuck Isn’t a Problem: It’s Information

One of the most important things I’ve learned (through a lot of training, lived experience, and support) is that being stuck isn’t a character flaw.

It’s not wrong.
You’re not broken.
You’re not lazy.

Being stuck is information.

It’s a signal that something is in the way. Something you may not be able to see clearly on your own yet.

When I feel stuck, my instinct can be to shut down or avoid things. To scroll, distract, delay, or quietly hope motivation will magically return. But I’ve learned that pushing harder or shaming myself never actually helps.

What does help is awareness.

Awareness Comes Before Action

For me, it always starts in the body.

Before I try to “figure it out,” I slow down enough to notice:

  • Where do I feel tight, heavy, or disconnected?
  • What sensations are present when I think about moving forward?
  • What emotions are underneath the overwhelm?

This isn’t about analyzing or fixing. It’s about noticing without judgment.

Once awareness is present, curiosity can come online. And curiosity changes everything.

Instead of asking “What’s wrong with me?”
I start asking “What’s in my way right now?”

That question opens space instead of closing it.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Another truth I’ve come to deeply respect: we are not meant to navigate everything on our own.

Even with all the tools, experience, and self-awareness I have, I still have a coach. When I feel stuck, I don’t isolate. I reach out.

I get on the phone and talk it through.

Not to be told what to do, but to get honest about:

  • What I’m avoiding
  • What I’m afraid to look at
  • What decision I’ve been circling instead of making

That conversation doesn’t judge me. It empowers me.

Because often, what keeps us stuck isn’t lack of motivation, it’s lack of clarity, support, and permission to be honest.

Moving Forward Powerfully (Without Forcing It)

You don’t need a massive plan right now.
You don’t need to “get it together.”
You don’t need to be further ahead than you are.

You do need:

  • Awareness instead of judgment
  • Curiosity instead of pressure
  • Support instead of isolation

Momentum doesn’t come from forcing yourself forward.
It comes from meeting yourself with integrity, grace, and clarity.

And sometimes, the most powerful action you can take is asking for support.

An Invitation

If you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or caught in familiar cycles, there are a couple of ways you can step into support right now:

You don’t have to have the answers.
You don’t have to be “ready.”
You just have to be willing to be honest about where you are.

If you’d like to stay connected, you can also find me here:

You’re not behind.
You’re right where you are and that’s a workable place to begin.

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