The "doldrums" or "stuck in the doldrums" is an old sailing term or expression that refers to sailing where there is little to no wind. With no wind to whip up waves, seas in the doldrums are calm to glass smooth and sailing ships stop dead in the water. In parts of the Pacific, the doldrums can last for days or even weeks. In the days before ships had engines, the doldrums were a dreaded condition.
Most of us still dread the doldrums, although we aren't plying the seas in sail only powered vessels. The modern doldrums are periods in our lives where there is no forward motion. I imagine the frustration of a ship captain and his men, as supplies began to dwindle and day after day brought clear skies and no winds. It must have been a helpless feeling. Modern day doldrums can inspire similar feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Like the sailors of old, we must remember that the winds will pick up again. In the meantime, there are ropes to braid and sails to mend.
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