Embracing the natural pause: navigating the feeling of being stuck in your twenties
Life in your twenties can often feel like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, opportunities, and challenges…It's a decade marked by transitions, self-discovery, and constant change. But what about those moments when it seems like you're not progressing at all? When you feel stuck and unmotivated?
The truth is, feeling a slower pace of life is not only normal, but also an essential part of personal growth and self-reflection.
We’ve just labelled it as being “lost, having a lack of direction, or falling behind in life” – when in fact it is a time of potential energy…just building up inside.
In this blog post, we'll explore the concept of feeling stuck in your twenties, why it's a natural phase, and how society's expectations can sometimes hinder our ability to embrace these moments of pause.
Seasons of life: you can't bloom all year round
Just like the seasons – life has its natural rhythms.
Spring brings new beginnings and growth.
Summer is a time of abundance.
Autumn invites reflection and change.
Winter offers rest and preparation for the next cycle.
There will be moments when you're bursting with energy and motivation, and other times when you need to slow down, recharge, and reflect. It's crucial to recognize that these periods of feeling stuck are part of the natural ebb and flow of life.
The power of reflection
During those times when you feel stuck, it's an opportunity to reflect on your journey so far:
What have you achieved?
What have you learned?
What do you genuinely enjoy doing?
Taking a step back and examining your past experiences can provide valuable insights into your passions, strengths, and areas for growth. This self-reflection is a vital part of personal development.
The pressure of productivity
In today's fast-paced society, there's an overwhelming emphasis on productivity and constant progress. We're bombarded with messages that tell us we should always be hustling, chasing success, and making the most of every moment. As a result, it's easy to feel guilty or ashamed when you're not constantly moving forward. This pressure can lead to burnout and anxiety.
Overcoming Societal Expectations
To embrace the idea that feeling stuck is natural, we must challenge societal expectations. Understand that taking a break, slowing down, or even feeling lost doesn't equate to laziness or lack of ambition. It's a necessary part of personal growth and self-care. It's about finding a balance between productive action and mindful reflection.
Avoiding Procrastination
While it's crucial to embrace moments of pause, it's equally important not to let them turn into prolonged periods of procrastination. The key is to set healthy boundaries for yourself. Allocate specific time for rest and reflection, but also establish clear goals and timelines for when you'll resume taking action. This way, you can ensure that your breaks are purposeful and don't hinder your long-term progress.
For any area in your life (i.e. relationships, career, money, spirituality, etc) ask yourself –
Where do I feel dissatisfied?
Where have I seen little growth?
With this knowledge you’ll know where to put your energy into for the next spring/summer seasons.
THE DETOX
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THE DETOX 〰️
Feeling stuck in your twenties is not a sign of failure or inadequacy. It's a natural part of the journey to self-discovery and personal growth.
Just as the changing seasons allow nature to renew itself, these moments of pause allow you to recharge, reflect, and refine your path forward. By recognizing the importance of these periods and challenging society's relentless focus on productivity, you can embrace your twenties with a healthier perspective. Remember, it's okay to slow down, reflect, and bloom at your own pace.
Meet the writer.
Hi! I’m Bianca Venchiarutti. I started this blog fresh out of university (and in the midst of an identity crisis). To regain a sense of purpose in my life I dove into multiple personal development books and they humbled me in the profound amount of information I must still learn—and unlearn.
That’s where the “detox” came from! Unlearning is becoming even more valuable for us “twentysomethings” than just acquisitive learning. Although I don’t know everything, I will share with you the knowledge I gather along the way :)
