I recently came across an idea that shifted my perspective. Have you ever felt stuck in life? Not unhappy, exactly, just stalled? Like things are fine, yet somehow not where you hoped they’d be? Well, guess what - you’re not really stuck.

What’s happening is that you’re holding onto an old version of yourself, a version that “died” a long time ago, but you still miss it. You want things to stay the same, even though they can’t.

What’s holding you back isn’t the outside world - it’s what you’re clinging to inside. Once you let go of that old identity, expectation, or habit, you suddenly feel free. Ask yourself: What part of who you were - or what you think you should be - is keeping you from moving forward?

There’s an idea, a behaviour, or an attitude holding you back. Think of it like a past relationship: reality has moved on, but you’re still living as if you’re in it, clinging to a version of yourself or a situation that no longer exists. That attachment, that old identity, is what keeps you stuck.

What is it for you? What expectation, habit, or identity are you holding onto that’s keeping you from moving forward? The moment you release it, you propel yourself ahead and make room for the person you’re truly meant to become.

You feel stuck because you don’t know what to do next, but the real reason is that you’re holding onto what’s behind you. A chapter of your life is over, yet you cling to it as if you haven’t outgrown it. Once you name it, acknowledge it, and let it go, you can start moving forward again.

“Growth is walking away from what you are used to in order to get what you deserve.” - Jay Shetty

 

This quote really resonated with me because it feels so true, right? That said, I don’t think something like this can, or should, be rushed. Trying to rush it would probably send your nervous system into chaos… at least, it would mine. I think it’s perfectly okay to slow down, reflect, and really let it sink in. That’s what Jessie always reminds me to do when I’m feeling a bit… off. We’re so used to rushing in today’s modern world, but you can’t really get in tune with yourself - or know what to do - unless you slow down enough to listen to your inner wisdom.

Walking away from what you know - from what you’re used to, from an old version of yourself - is hard. If it weren’t so hard, everyone would do it. But in reality, very few people actually do. Think about it: there’s probably something in your life you’ve outgrown but are still clinging to. That job you don’t really enjoy but is “okay,” or a relationship that doesn’t light you up but could be worse. It feels safe, familiar, comfortable. And as humans, we naturally prefer the known. We resist the unknown, even when stepping into it could ultimately lead us to a bigger, fuller life.

I’ve done it myself, of course I have. I’m not immune to this at all. When I quit my job to start my own business, it wasn’t because I knew that's what was right for me, far from it. I was pushed out of a toxic environment. But I often wonder: if I had been in a supportive, “safe” job, would I have taken the leap? Even though starting my own business was the right choice for me, I’m not sure I would have done it if things hadn’t gotten so bad that I couldn't see any other option.

And I know there are still parts of my life I cling to simply because they feel familiar - the unknown can feel really scary. It’s not that staying the same is bad; it’s comfortable, safe. Most of us do this. Most people don’t leave jobs, habits, or situations unless something pushes them out. But imagine this: what if you let go of what’s comfortable but no longer serving you? What if you propelled yourself toward the life you truly dream of? What if it all worked out even better than you ever imagined?

It’s a pretty powerful thought. And maybe that’s what 2026 is about - letting go of what’s familiar and stepping into your true self, where happiness, growth, and fulfillment are waiting for you. 

As we head into 2026, I want to wish you a very Happy New Year! And listen, if your year starts off a bit rocky, that doesn’t mean amazing moments aren’t on the way. Life’s a lot like the markets: full of ups and downs. But if you keep choosing yourself, staying true to what matters to you, the best is yet to come. 🩷🩷🩷