Feeling Stuck? The Humbling Truth About Getting Unstuck (And Why It’s Worth It!)
February 19, 2025When you’re hit with a loss or betrayal, whether in your personal life or career, the sadness can feel like it might swallow you whole. And honestly, it’s tempting to shove it aside—especially when you need to pivot quickly. There’s laundry to fold, deadlines to meet, and people depending on you. Who has time to cry into a cup of lukewarm coffee?
But let me tell you something: sadness is not the enemy. Ignoring it is.
Why Sadness is Necessary for Healing
Dr. John Cox, a brilliant psychologist, once said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“If you let sadness have its moment, it will do its job and move on.”
Sadness is a messenger, not a dictator. Its job is to process loss, create space for healing, and help you find clarity. But if you ignore it? It digs in its heels and lingers like a bad houseguest.
If you’ve seen the movie Inside Out, you’ll remember when Riley’s Sadness finally stopped trying to “fix” things and just let herself feel the pain of losing her old life. That’s when everything started to turn around for her. One of the funniest moments was when Sadness sat on the floor, touching all the happy memories and turning them blue. She wasn’t malicious—she was just doing her job. And that’s exactly what we need to let sadness do.
Don’t Rush to a Resolution
The trick is not to race to a solution. Sometimes, we’re so eager to “move on” that we slap on a fake smile and try to power through. But healing takes time. Sit with the discomfort. Journal, cry, or even laugh at yourself for being a little too much like Riley when she ran away instead of facing her feelings.
And here’s something I’ve learned through my own journey: losing a job or leaving a role doesn’t mean you lose the relationships you’ve built. Jobs are vessels—they’re how we find community, but they’re not the community itself. Those connections you’ve poured into? They can continue, even if your title or workplace changes. Don’t let a professional loss rob you of the people who’ve been part of your story.
Faith, Loss, and Growth
Our sermon today was such a timely reminder of this truth. It spoke of leaning into sadness as part of our faith journey and letting God meet us there. That struck a chord for me, especially in a season where change and loss have been close companions.
Sadness may visit, but God’s peace never leaves. Lean on His promises. Surround yourself with people who remind you who you are when the sadness gets loud.
Journal Prompts for Reflection
If you’re struggling to process a loss, take a moment to sit with these questions:
• What loss or betrayal am I grieving?
• How has sadness shown up in my life, and what might it be trying to teach me?
• What relationships can I nurture, even as I step away from a role or job?
Final Thoughts & Encouragement
And here’s the good news: sadness doesn’t last forever. It’s not here to wreck you—it’s here to refine you.
Take time today to sit with your feelings, reflect on what you’re learning, and ask God for His comfort. When you’ve processed it, you’ll not only heal but also be able to help someone else do the same. That’s where the beauty lies.
