We all feel lost from time to time. Think of the most fabulous, put-together person in your life. Even they sometimes feel confused about the next step or not sure where to turn. We are all humans trying our best, and sometimes that means we are a little lost. It’s nothing to be ashamed about, but there are things you can do to help you through the feeling.
1. Know you aren’t alone
When you are feeling stuck or directionless, it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one. But we are all in this together, girl. There are so many of us fighting the same battles, whether it’s weight, insecurity, imposter syndrome, relationship struggles, etc. These can all feel incredibly isolating but know that you are never alone.
Your mind tells you that no one understands when you feel lost, but there are so many of us experiencing the exact same emotions and fear. There are people who can relate to you. It can be difficult to open up, but once you do, you may find that many of your friends are facing the same struggles.
2. Choose to have a positive attitude
Easier said than done, right? It can be hard to put on a smile when you feel like curling up in bed with Netflix. But staring at a screen and ignoring the world never solved anything. Make it your mission to be positive. That doesn’t mean that there isn’t bad things happening in the world, but understand that so much of your mood will be determined by your attitude. If you keep a good attitude even in tough circumstances, you will be able to see your way out of the difficult times. Choose happiness over hurt, even when it’s hard.
3. Be present in every moment
You may be out and about but your mind is stuck on your troubles. Even when you feel lost, it’s important to connect to the world around you. Try to stay in the present moment and avoid the overwhelming feelings of anxiousness, worry, and self-judgement. You won’t change your circumstances by agonizing over them, and you do yourself a disservice by missing out on the present moment by overly thinking about the past or future. You only have one today, so try your best to live fully in it!
4. Reconnect with your dreams
Can you remember what your dreams where before you got bogged down in the day-to-day of being an adult? What are the things you’ve dropped because you don’t have the time or because they seemed impossible? It’s crucial to remember our hopes and dreams. We are not robots. We are real, live people who have ambitions and desires and it’s possible to hold onto these even while being an adult and making sure the laundry gets done.
5. Try journaling
Try writing in a journal to keep track of dreams. Ask yourself what your soul is truly aching for. When you reconnect with your dreams, you’ll stop feeling so lost and start feeling ready to take on life’s next adventure. In your dreams, you will find inspiration whether it’s to take a pottery making class or apply for a new job, it’s time to chase what you want!
6. Expand your comfort zone
Uh oh…I know this is uncomfortable for many people, but it needs to be said. One of the best ways to stop feeling lost is to step outside your comfort zone. When you feel lost, you aren’t sure what the next step should be or who you are. But forcing yourself to meet new people and try new things makes you grow in unexpected ways.
Breaking the bubble of familiarity is scary, but also invigorating. It wakes you up and gives you the adrenaline needed to grow. When expanding beyond your comfort zone, you may discover new things about yourself. Even though you’re going further than ever before, it can lead you right back home to your heart. So think about something that intrigues you but scares you, and go do it! Always wanted to go on a vacation alone? Is there an idea you’ve wanted to pitch to your boss? Go for it!!
If you feel lost, I understand. I have been there, too. Many of us have. It’s not unusual to get stuck in one place and not know the way out, but what’s important to remember when you’re feeling directionless is that you have a choice. You determine the outcome of your life and you can make it better. Follow these six steps when you’re feeling lost and you’ll start to find yourself again!