Feeling lost is a universal experience, often accompanied by confusion and sadness. In this piece, I share my own journey through these tumultuous emotions, the struggles I’ve faced, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. It’s a reminder that, regardless of how perfect life appears on the surface, inner battles can remain unseen.
I stood at the bathroom sink, washing my face, and as I glanced in the mirror, tears began to flow.
Once again.
Nothing particularly distressing occurred that day; I simply felt profoundly adrift.
Again.
This sense of being lost is something I’ve grappled with for the past few years. Honestly, I’m weary of discussing it in my personal life and on this blog. I’m truly over it.
On the outside, my life appears idyllic. I am incredibly grateful every single day for my wonderful partner, supportive family, a dog who has been my companion since college, and a lovely home. I work with amazing people, yet there’s a relentless internal struggle that I face most days.
As a child, I was frequently unwell. I recall waking up in a hospital bed one night, hearing screams from the room next door, disoriented and frightened. This feeling of disorientation has resurfaced in recent years.
I Never Really Had a “Plan” for Myself
Throughout my life, I often relied on intuition, hoping for the best. Surprisingly, everything turned out well; the right people and opportunities appeared in my path. However, a minor injury developed into chronic pain, which led to battles with stress and more severe health problems. Through this ordeal, I began to feel like I was losing the person I used to cherish and admire. The vibrant health-nut who was always active and engaged had been replaced by someone I barely recognized.
Even without a defined plan, I understood my desires and was achieving my goals. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, the rug was pulled from under me repeatedly. I felt like I was losing control.
When you feel lost in life, it’s important to recognize that while many people experience this, not everyone will understand. “Why do you feel this way? Your life is great!” Yes, I know this, but sometimes our greatest struggles are invisible to others. Our biggest battles often rage within us, hidden from view.
If you find yourself in the same boat, don’t lose hope, because I certainly won’t give up either. I remind myself to be gentle during these moments. Initially, it was simple, but as this feeling of being lost persists, my patience dwindles. The crucial thing is to keep pushing forward, and remember these key points:
7 THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU FEEL LOST
YOU ARE NOT BEHIND IN LIFE
There’s no unseen “official” timeline dictating how your life should progress. You’re not obligated to go to college right after high school, and you don’t have to get married by a certain age or have children by a particular point in time. I married at 23, and after six years, the thought of starting a family hasn’t crossed my mind. Yet, societal pressure at family gatherings often makes it feel like I’m doing something wrong.
If approaching 25 or 30, and you’re uncertain about your career path or love life, you are not falling behind. There’s no predetermined schedule that you must follow; that narrative is fictional. Don’t blame yourself for feeling “behind,” because your journey is uniquely yours, and it’s perfectly valid to follow a different route.
GIVE YOURSELF TIME
When life throws challenges your way, the urge to return to a sense of “normalcy” is strong. Yet, recovery takes time. Whether you’re grappling with loss, injury, heartbreak, or other challenges, allow yourself the necessary time to heal. Impatience can lead to frustration, so remember that healing is a gradual process.
IT’S OKAY TO BE “NOT OKAY”
Experiencing feelings of disorientation does not indicate weakness. Acknowledge your negative emotions; allow yourself to feel them fully, even if it leads to tears. Resistance only strengthens their hold over you. It’s essential to understand that it’s alright to step back from situations when you need to. We must permit ourselves to break down at times to rediscover who we truly are.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE
Feeling lost can create a sense of isolation, making you believe you’re the only one experiencing this. Trust me, you are not alone.
We all face challenges at various points in our lives, but often remain quiet about these struggles. Most of us share only the highlights of our experiences, whether in person or online. It’s crucial to remember that difficult times are a shared experience and that you need not feel embarrassed or despondent.
SOMETIMES GETTING LOST CAN HELP YOU FIND YOURSELF
Error can lead to self-discovery. Getting lost can reveal new insights about who you are. Over the past couple of years, I’ve realized many of us are stronger than we recognize. In seemingly hopeless situations, we often find the strength to persevere. It doesn’t mean we won’t encounter feelings of hopelessness; it simply signifies that we won’t surrender.
If you’re feeling unanchored, explore new opportunities. Embrace solitude and venture outside your comfort zone. You may uncover unknown talents or rekindle past passions that once brought joy to your life. Feeling lost can ultimately lead to profound personal growth.
IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO START OVER
Regardless of your age or the burdens you carry, it’s never too late for a fresh start. Throughout my journey, I’ve met individuals from various backgrounds who reinvented their lives. Some transformed their well-being after years of struggle, while others left toxic situations and reclaimed their autonomy. It’s a testament that reinvention is always possible, no matter who you are.
YOU CAN’T BE AFRAID OF CHANGE
Change can be daunting. It’s often accompanied by confusion and self-doubt. While certain challenges may seem insurmountable, embrace the notion that some aspects of life may never return to “normal.” This is when it’s vital to reconfigure your plans and perhaps redefine your identity.
Don’t shy away from initiating change. By resisting it, you may limit your potential. Remember, you are in control, even if it might feel otherwise.
