When we look at our struggles through the lens of the six human yearnings, everything shifts. What once felt confusing or “wrong” starts to make sense. Our anxiety, perfectionism, or feelings of emptiness aren’t signs of weakness. They’re natural responses to unmet needs like belonging, meaning, or competence.

Understanding these yearnings helps us approach ourselves with curiosity instead of judgment, and gives us a map for living more fully, even in the midst of life’s challenges.

Many of us reach a point in life where we feel stuck, trapped in our own thoughts, weighed down by emotions we can’t seem to shake, or repeating patterns that don’t bring us closer to who we want to be. From the lens of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), “stuckness” isn’t a personal flaw. It’s a natural response to discomfort. When we avoid painful feelings, believe our self-critical thoughts, or wait for confidence before taking action, our world slowly becomes smaller.

This blog explores common patterns that keep us stuck and how ACT offers a different path forward. Instead of forcing ourselves to “feel better” first, we learn to make room for emotions, loosen the grip of unhelpful thoughts, reconnect with our values, and take gentle steps toward a life that feels meaningful again. If you’ve been wondering why change feels so hard, you’re not alone, and there is a way through.

Not sure if it’s time to start therapy? Therapy isn’t only for crises. It’s for anyone who wants to live a fuller, more meaningful life. From an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) perspective, therapy helps you navigate difficult emotions, step out of self-limiting stories, and move toward what truly matters. If you find yourself avoiding your feelings, stuck in overthinking, or disconnected from the person you want to be, it might be time to take that first step.