Dear Therapist, 

I feel stuck in a life that seems to be going nowhere. Every day feels the same, and I can’t shake this feeling of dissatisfaction and restlessness. My job is stable, but it’s far from fulfilling, and I’ve lost the passion I once had for it. I barely see my friends or family anymore, and when I do, I feel like I can’t really connect with them. It’s like I’m just going through the motions, but not actually living. 

I used to have big dreams, but now, I don’t even know what I want or who I am. I keep wondering if it’s too late to make a change, but the fear of the unknown holds me back. Part of me thinks I should just be grateful for what I have, but another part feels like there must be more to life than this. 

How do I find a way to feel alive again? Is it too late to find a path that truly makes me happy? 

Sincerely, 

Lost in Limbo

Dear Lost in Limbo, 

Oh, I see what’s going on here—a classic case of “is-this-it-itis.” You’re feeling stuck, and that nagging thought keeps tapping you on the shoulder, saying, “Surely, there’s more to life than this!” Well, let me tell you: there absolutely is! You’re far from the only one feeling this way, and that spark you’re looking for is closer than you might think. 

Here’s the deal. Routine can be a bit of a sneaky thief, gradually dimming the glow of what once made us feel excited. But here’s the great news: that excitement is still inside you, just waiting for a little nudge. Start small—think of something you once loved but lost track of in the daily grind. Miss drawing? Reading? Taking dance classes? Or is there something you’ve always thought about trying but just never did? Pick one thing, just one, and give it a go. See how it feels. It doesn’t have to change your life overnight, but even a tiny spark can make things brighter. 

The whole “fear of the unknown” thing? Totally normal, and actually, it’s a bit of a sign you’re ready for change! Rather than seeing it as a roadblock, think of it as a signpost pointing you toward what’s next. No one says you have to upend your life tomorrow, but you could play with the idea of what little changes might shake things up. Order a strange new dish. Take a different route to work. Tiny twists can open new doors. 

And here’s another tip: reach out! Social connection is a magical way to revive that feeling of “aliveness.” Call up a friend you haven’t seen in a while or join a group with similar interests. If your current circle feels a little stale, there’s a whole world of potential friends out there who just might be looking for someone like you. 

You’re at a crossroads, and that’s actually a great place to be—it means new directions are possible. Trust that the path ahead can be brighter and filled with a bit more “you” than what you’re feeling right now. And hey, give yourself some credit; taking even a single step is worth celebrating. You’ve got this, one small spark at a time! 

Yours,


Charlotte Fox Weber is a verified Welldoing psychotherapist and the author of What We Want: Understand Your Deepest Desires and Live a Fuller Life