Update [10-01-2020]: New resource to help underprivileged population in the “What about those without a home?” section.

Don’t say “stuck” anymore. It’s showing your privilege!

Just look at all the headlines that contain the word…

I’ve wanted to write this post since all hell broke loose two months ago in the U.S. and we began to transition into tighter restrictions and lockdown. With so many emotions running wild, it’s only natural to use words like “stuck” or phrases like “stuck at home” to describe our current situation. But, those words seem wrong. 

When you look up the definition of stuck, it means “XXXXX.” When I think of stuck, I think about objects getting stuck together, glue being used, someone or something getting trapped in a small space, and/or if you’re “stuck” with someone or somewhere, it’s because you don’t really want to be there or can’t get out. Like the movie, “Get Out!” 

Soooo…these definitions and examples have negative connotations. And, it bugs me that we use this term to describe our current lifestyle and the pandemic, when at the end of the day, we should be grateful we have a home to go to. 

I won’t get too preachy but I definitely want to highlight three ways why we should eliminate the word stuck during these times:

For the Love of Home

I don’t know about you but I love going home. It’s taken years to feel this way, but I’ve created a space that breeds positivity, comfort, peace, and contentment. Growing up with five siblings isn’t always easy with fights, arguments, and drama. And, now that I’m an adult who can make her own decisions, the first thing I wanted to do was create a space that I always want to come home to.  

So, when it’s asked, “What to do while stuck at home,” I’m saddened. Taking into consideration that everyone may not have a loving space or home, I can understand the sentiment of feeling “stuck.” Yet, some of you have a loving space/home to do as you please. And, my challenge for you is, what can YOU do that makes your home feel inviting, fun, and “unstuckable”?? Not just during the coronavirus pandemic, but forever. 

Here are some tips:

• Leave the negativity and negative energy outside your home. 
• Set the tone and good vibes for your space. 
• Let natural light in. 
• Play some music and dance freely. 
• Create boundaries in your space and identify what you will or won’t allow. 

What about those without a home?

I’m not here to make you feel guilty (well, a tiny bit) about your view of “being stuck at home.” But, the pandemic has affected us all, even those without jobs and a home. 

Let me ask you a serious question…

Have you thought about the homeless population and how they are coping with the coronavirus?

Well, for the majority of you, you probably haven’t. Let’s take a look:

Words have power. And, it also shows your privilege. Let’s appreciate that we have a home in which we are stuck. Some do not have the same luxury. 

Here are some resources if you want to learn more about the homeless population during COVID-19:

• CDC Homeless Populations 
• For Homeless People, COVID-19 

Also, MyMove.com created a guide that highlights the increased vulnerability of homelessness for families and children and how to support underprivileged populations during these unprecedented times. Check it out below:

Homelessness During the Pandemic: What to Do and How to Help

The guide includes:

• An Inclusive Infographic on Homelessness in America
• Local Resources and Ways the Community Can Help
• State and Federal Support Programs

Choose your words wisely

Bored ≠ Stuck. Period.

Here’s a sample list of words/phrases you can use to describe your current situation: 

• Happy at home
• Thrive while home
• Endure
• Feeling grateful at home
• Patiently at home
• Physical/Social distancing at home

Happy picking!

And, if you’re wondering why this is even a conversation or a thought, then read below:

Sticks and stones may break your bones,

but words can change your brain.

Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman, authors of “Words Can Change Your Brain,” suggest that positive words help build your resiliency and ability to act, whereas negative or “hostile” words increases stress-producing hormones and neurotransmitters that then “shut down the logic-and-reasoning centers located in the frontal lobes.” 

Your words influence your brain and mindset. Whether you know it or not, using words like “stuck” is inadvertently sending negative messages to your brain and therefore influencing your mindset. 

So remember:

“Handle them carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.” -Pearl Strachan Hurd

“Words have energy and power with the ability to help, to heal, to hinder, to hurt, to harm, to humiliate, and to humble.” -Yehuda Berg

And, if you really want to the nitty-gritty on why saying stuck is so wrong, including terms like, “lockdown,” then take it from none other than Dr. Angela Davis. Watch this GirlTrek interview (50:40) with the legend as she talks about the term and its actual meaning.

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