Breaking Free with Lauren Barnes: The Story Behind UnstuckSelf

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Q: Lauren, UnstuckSelf sounds amazing! Let’s start with the basics—what inspired you to create it?

There was a time when I felt completely stuck—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I was in so much emotional turmoil and anxiety all the time that it started to feel like physical pain (scream crying, lashing out, not being able to focus, always on the verge of tears and taking sleeping pills so I could have a moment of peace). My mind was looping on this one very painful event that happened, and I knew I needed to change something, but I didn’t know where to start AT ALL. After all, what the F*** is healing?! Journaling eventually became my lifeline. It was how I untangled my thoughts, processed emotions, and began to recognize my own involvement in my pain. It's how I realized I had wounds, I had been holding onto limiting beliefs, all since childhood. And that I had been allowing my mind to keep me stuck. Over time, I realized I wasn’t alone in feeling this way and healing is such a buzzword with little understanding. That’s when the idea for UnstuckSelf was born—a space to guide others through their own healing journeys so no one has to feel so isolated and confused in their darkest hour.

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Q: Why do you think UnstuckSelf is so important right now?

We live in a world that’s so noisy—social media, work, endless expectations. It’s so easy to never even know who you truly are and what's right for you instead of what's right for those around you. When you feel lost and stuck, that's when there is a really high chance that you've lost touch with yourself (your authentic core self). UnstuckSelf is about giving you space to pause. It’s a space to reconnect with yourself, heal from what’s been weighing you down, and rediscover your true potential. Healing is the foundation for everything in life—your relationships, your career, your relationship with yourself. If, internally, you feel a mess, your external world will reflect that. Once you realize that, you'll realize the most important thing you can do in order to embrace happiness and fulfillment in your external world, is to uncover that first in your internal world.

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Q: You’ve made journaling a central part of UnstuckSelf. Why is that?

Journaling saved me. It was how I got clear on what I was feeling, why I was feeling it, and how to move forward. It’s such a simple but powerful tool when used correctly (and yes, there is a correct way). Writing for a quick cathartic release is great, but it doesn't help you release the root cause of your pain, and the limiting beliefs that you've been carrying. That’s why I created the "Unstuck" journaling course (coming soon!), it’s not blank pages, prompts and affirmations—it’s a guide and a companion to teach you how to get to the root of your emotions. Whether you’re navigating tough emotions or dreaming of a better future, the journal is there to help you take the steps to get you there. 

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Q: There are so many self-help platforms out there. What makes UnstuckSelf different?

UnstuckSelf isn’t about productivity hacks or quick fixes - that doesn't exist when it comes to healing and understanding yourself. You can't make changes on the surface and think you're better. The change comes from the root. If the root is healthy, the tree will bloom! Before you can build anything meaningful, you need a foundation of self-love and self-awareness. That’s what I focus on. It’s deeply personal—no one-size-fits-all approach here. The journaling, the courses, video guidance, and community are all designed to meet you where you are and grow with you. I was in the darkest part of my life and felt completely lost with the term "healing" thrown around. Piecing it together on my own it made me feel even more isolated and depressed. I never want anyone to feel that lost and confused when it comes to their own mental health. So, Unstuckself is the place that will give it to you straight -- definitions, answers, support, and references to my own vulnerable journey to help the concepts make sense (for example, the blogs posts).

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Q: Speaking of community, tell us about that.

The community is everything! It’s hosted on Skool, a space where members connect, share their experiences, and support each other. I also share weekly video prompts—short, 3-5 minute insights that guide journaling and self-reflection. It’s not just a platform; it’s a safe space where people feel seen and supported. Watching members encourage each other has been so inspiring.

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Q: Finally, what’s your ultimate hope for UnstuckSelf?

My hope is that UnstuckSelf helps people break free from what’s holding them back and rediscover their worth. I want them to feel empowered, to embrace their true selves, and to create a life that feels aligned and meaningful. We have grown up to look outside of ourselves for love, happiness, worth, and validation, and that's turned into a world full of hurt humans. My hope is that the world will learn to love themselves first, take everything they push out externally and find it within themselves. Because that's where you will find true happiness, love and peace - from within you. When you shift into that place of self, everything external is just icing on top of the baked cake, nothing compares to the power and peace you embody because you know you'll always have yourself and that is, and has always been, all you've ever needed. Imagine it: you, on your own team, loving every facet of yourself, peace in your mind, peace in your heart, no judging, no comparisons, cheering you on from the deepest core of your being. And all the beautful humans that come into your life are the icing on top! It's beautiful, but you have to bake your cake first! If even one person takes that first step because of UnstuckSelf, it’s all worth it.

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Lauren’s vision is clear, her passion contagious. UnstuckSelf isn’t just a platform; it’s a movement. It’s about finding yourself, healing deeply, and living authentically.

Are you ready to get unstuck? Start your journey today.