Feeling Stuck? Here’s your Invitation to Grow and Shine
by Calodagh McCumiskey
This article should ideally be read when you have 10 minutes and a pen and a piece of paper.
How do you feel about your growth?
As human beings, our two highest-level psychological needs are to grow and to make a difference. Growth is part of what gives life meaning - it’s how we evolve, adapt, and step into our potential.
Yet in today’s fast-paced world, many people feel stuck, frustrated or even burned out. You may have a great life on paper - but inside you feel too exhausted to enjoy it ...or you may question that the sacrifices you have made are not worth it - or that there should be something more - more purpose, more joy, more space to breathe - and for what really matters to you - more space for you to grow in ways that excite you. One of the greatest challenges of modern life is that we have no real space or time for ourselves. Our minds are constantly occupied - thinking about what’s next or replaying what’s past - thinking about what others need ... and think ... leaving little room for reflection, clarity, enjoyment - and meaningful growth.
This is your invitation to pause and reflect on your own growth.
If you’ve been feeling unsatisfied, overwhelmed, or simply ready for something new, take a few minutes to ask yourself:
Where am I ready to expand - and what must I release to make space for meaningful growth ?
You can use my 12 Pillars of Wellbeing framework as a simple, holistic map for reflection:
Physical: What can I do to feel lighter and more energised each morning - ready for the day?
Mental: Which thought pattern needs upgrading from doubt to possibility?
Emotional: What feeling do I need to feel to heal? What boundary will protect my peace?
Spiritual: How will I reconnect daily with purpose (prayer, meditation, stillness)? Am I living in alignment with my values?
Key Relationships: Am I showing up with authenticity, care, and honesty in my closest relationships?
Creativity: What creative act will spark my heart and energise me this week?
Financial: How can I manage my money better to limit unhealthy stress and support meaningful growth?
Community: Where can I contribute in a way that nourishes me and others? Can I be more friendly and kind to deepen belonging in my life and community?
Purpose: What matters most now - and why? Am I spending my time, energy, and attention accordingly?
Work: What’s the single highest-leverage action I can take for my work and clients today?
Environmental: Is my environment supporting my wellbeing - or causing stress? Am I spending enough time outdoors and in nature?
Digital: What will I mute, delete, or schedule so my screen time serves my goals and growth?
As you read this, take a few minutes to reflect and assess. Score your 12 pillars out of 10. Identify your three weakest ones. Choose one micro-commitment for each of the three pillars that need the most love and attention - and build them into your daily routine. It could be - I am going to stretch while the kettle is boiling. Or I am going to do 2 x 1 minutes of deep breathing practice to relax each day. Or no phone for the first or last hour of the day. Or Spend 5 minutes outside every morning before 9 am - taking in the morning light. Growth doesn’t require perfection - just intentional, repeated action.
A Daily Reflection
Before you go to sleep tonight (and every night this week), take a quiet moment to reflect:
Did I choose growth in the important moments today?
Think of one area where you did - and one where you could have done better. Consider what might help you choose differently the next time a similar situation arises. No blame or guilt, just honest, mature reflection. This is how real change begins.
If You’d Like Support
If you’d like to grow more deeply - or if you want to help your team grow in more meaningful and sustainable ways - I’d love to help. Whether you’re looking to realign, or strengthen your mental, emotional, and spiritual fitness so you can live a powerful and impactful life, or want to build sustainable momentum and growth, contact me.
Growth happens fastest when we walk the path consciously. And it’s always easier with support and accountability. Support gives us hope, strength, belief and new perspectives - which are key to lasting change.
