The English word “stuck” means “fixed or frozen, incapable of movement.” This can mean anything from a jar lid stuck to a car stuck in traffic. Sometimes, the verb also refers to someone who is indecisive or unable to make a decision. Its origins can be traced to the Old English word stician, meaning “to pierce, hold, or project.”
Working through stuck points is a challenging and sometimes uncomfortable process that requires courage, perseverance, and cognitive flexibility. The process is personal to each person, and it may take time. When stuck, it’s best to reflect on the situation and identify what might be causing the feelings. A few strategies may be helpful for dealing with these situations.
A major cause of stuck points is that the person is experiencing a loss that contradicts a previously held belief. This makes the person feel hopeless or unsure of how to proceed in the new reality. They may even feel fearful, hopeless, or incapable of finding safety again. While it’s understandable that these feelings would prevent the person from writing, forcing ideas is not healthy.