What do you do when you’re stuck? When you find yourself spinning your wheels but making no progress? When you feel trapped in a perpetual state of mediocrity or “survival mode” setting? I’m talking days of writer’s block. And processes, procedures, and daily routines that used to work but suddenly don’t, and I’m not 100 percent sure why.

My go-to solution is to take a nap to reset (“Have you tried turning it off and on again?”). Having chronic illnesses do leave me in a perpetual feeling of overall exhaustion, so a nap does help … but often I wake up and the problems are still there.

I don’t have all the answers, but I’m really grateful to have a lot of helpful resources within arm’s reach, including the insight of our contributing and staff writers here at Nonahood News! Let me share with you some of the gems in this month’s edition that I found for guidance to get “unstuck” …

• In “Creator Mindset,” Nir Bashan reminds us of the importance of creatively “playing the cards you’ve been dealt” in life, even when (or, maybe, especially when) that hand is less than ideal.
• Chris White reminds us in “Get Traction” to always have three potential solutions to each problem before attempting to resolve those problems with the people around you.
• We are reminded of the value of finding your “happy place” and practicing mindful 10-minute vacations in “Work Well” by Natalia Foote.
• Our “Artist of the Month” teaches us that inspiration is all around us.
• Kyle Hamm urges us to slow down, be kind, and think of others in “Tough Things to Talk About.” Yes, I know this article is about driving in Lake Nona, but I do feel the principles apply to everyday life as well. We do need to slow down – I know that I am suffering from whiplash! How about you?
• We’re taught and reminded of many ways to take care of ourselves physically and mentally throughout our Health & Wellness section. Sometimes being “stuck” can be a result or byproduct of not taking care of ourselves. Likewise, remaining “stuck” can cause more health problems.
• I always find Sharon Fuentes’ column, “Mama’s Turn,” to be very validating each month, reminding me that I’m not alone in my struggles and providing me with a humorous perspective to view these adventures in life.
• Speaking of adventures, perhaps adopting some of the spirit in “NonaVentures” could help provide a new perspective in life! I, personally, choose to live vicariously through Nicole LaBosco rather than repel off the side of a building, but you get the idea. Nothing like an adventure to get out of being stuck in a rut!
• In one of my favorites this month, Rodney Gage coaches families to step back and reevaluate our commitments and truly determine where our priorities and values lie. “Family Shift” exists for the purpose of helping families find their footing in this busy, crazy world and get “unstuck” together.
• Finally, we have no shortage of some entertaining distractions to everyday life with three new review columns, a humor piece, and fine arts features in our Arts & Culture section.

I do hope you enjoy this edition and appreciate all the time, thought, and effort that went into offering a place for everyone in the community to find inspiration, education, perspective and entertainment. We love this community and hope that we bring value to everyone we reach.

Of course, the insight, lifestyle and culture ideals shared here all take a deliberate effort to accomplish. There is no magic pill to overcome being stuck. But, I’ve found that anything worth having takes concerted effort and time. For me, these efforts are ongoing and never-ending. There is always room for improvement.

I’d love to hear how you get through feeling “stuck” in this life. Drop me a note at elaine@nona.media any time! The one challenge with print media is that it often feels like one-sided communication, so I invite you to share your thoughts, ideas, impressions and feelings with us as you experience our – your – newspaper.

I believe we are meant to find joy in this life, and I believe that one way we do that is to help one another. I hope we’ve been a resource for you and that, together, we can navigate this crazy place we call home and always be working to improve!

Stick to it, Lake Nona!