While it’s good to know we aren’t alone in this feeling, the question still remains: What to do when you feel lost?
12 Reminders When You’re Feeling Lost In Life
Here are 12 things to remember when you feel lost in life:
1. Recognize That It’s Okay!
As stressed above, it’s okay to be in a position where you need to figure out what to do when you feel lost. At the same time, recognize that there are times you need to be alone. If you’ve always been accustomed to being in contact with people, this may prove difficult. However, learning how to be alone and comfortable in your own skin will give you confidence and a sense of self-reliance. We cheat ourselves out of the opportunity to become self-reliant when we look for constant companionship. It’s understandable though as we are social creatures and believe being constantly around people gives us a direction in life. The reality is having these periods where you are alone is good for you and feeling lost in life is your body telling you to spend some time with yourself. Learn how to embrace your me-time: What Your Fear of Being Alone Is Really About and How to Get over It
2. Use Your Lost and Loneliness as a Self-Directing Guide
You’ve most likely heard the expression: “You have to know where you’ve been to know where you’re going.” Loneliness and feeling lost in life also serve as a life signal to indicate you’re in search of something. Telling yourself I feel lost in life, is a good first step as it can prompt action. Because deep down, our strongest revelations don’t all stem from being around the constant company. It’s normally when we’re alone and in a place of relaxation. Remember, there is more to life than what you’re feeling.
3. Realize Loneliness Helps You Face the Truth
Being in the constant company of others, although comforting, can often serve as a distraction when we need to face the reality of a situation. And the reality is that we often bury negative emotions and deny their existence through indulgence of comforting emotions. Solitude cuts straight to the chase and forces you to deal with the problem or negative emotions at hand. See the event of what to do when you feel lost as a blessing that can serve as a catalyst to set things right! Take a look at the 10 Things That Happen When You Start to Enjoy Being Alone.
4. Be Aware That You Have More Control Than You Think
Typically, when we see ourselves as feeling lost in life or lonely, it gives us an excuse to view everything in a negative light. It lends itself to putting ourselves in the victim mode when the truth of the matter is that you choose your attitude in every situation. No one can force a feeling upon you other than yourself! It is YOU who has the ultimate say as to how you choose to react: How to Control Your Thoughts and Be the Master of Your Mind
5. Embrace the Freedom That the Feeling of Being Alone Can Offer
Instead of wallowing in self-pity – which many are prone to do because of loneliness – try looking at your circumstances as newfound freedoms. Most people are in constant need of approval of their viewpoints. They seek validation and when they don’t it’s easy for them to be feeling lost in life. Try enjoying the fact that you don’t need everyone you care about to support your decisions and ideas. This is easier said than done of course, but removing that need for validation can allow you to do things your own way and to think for yourself.
6. Acknowledge the Person You Are Now
Perhaps you are feeling lost in life because your life circumstances have taken you away from the persona that others know to be you. In those situations it’s understandable why you are telling yourself I feel lost in life. Learn to accept that people change over time. You might’ve liked the old you, but you are now in the new you. Learn to accept the new you, flaws and all. Realize that life is about change and how we react to that change. It’s okay that you’re not who you used to be. Take a look at this article and learn to accept your imperfect self: Accept Yourself (Flaws and All): 7 Benefits of Being Vulnerable
7. Keep Striving to Do Your Best
Often when you are figuring out what to do when you feel lost, you will develop a defeatist attitude. You stop caring about what’s going on and even your self esteem is low as a result of this. When you reach this stage, remind yourself to never let this feeling take away your sense of worth! Do your best always and when you come through this dark time, others will admire how you stayed determined in spite of the obstacles you had to overcome. And to live your best life, you must do this ONE thing: step out of your comfort zone.
8. Don’t Forget That Time Is Precious
When we’re lost in a sea of loneliness and depression, it’s all too easy to reflect on regrets of past life events. This does nothing but feed negativity and perpetuates the situation of feeling lost in life. Instead of falling prey to this common pitfall, put one foot in front of the other and acknowledge every positive step you take. By doing this, you can celebrate the struggles you overcome at the end of the day.
9. Remember, Things Happen for a Reason
Every circumstance you encounter in your life is designed to teach you and that lesson is in turn passed on to others. Sometimes you’re fortunate enough to figure out the lesson to be learned, while other times, you simply need to have faith that if the lesson wasn’t meant directly for you to learn from, how you handled it was observed by someone who needed to learn. Your solitude and feeling lost in life, in this instance, although painful possibly, could be there in order to be teaching someone else.
10. Journal During This Time
Record your thoughts when you’re at the height of loneliness and feeling lost in life. You’ll be amazed when you reflect back at how you viewed things at the time and how far you’ve come later. This time (if recorded) can give you a keen insight into who you are and what makes you feel the way you feel.
11. Remember You Aren’t the First to Feel This Way
It’s quite common to feel as if you’re alone and no one else has ever felt this way before. You think this because, at the time of your distress, you’re silently observing others around you who are seemingly fine in every way. The truth is, you can’t possibly know the struggles of those around you unless they elect to share them. We ALL have known this pain! As stressed at the start, even celebrities and people who seem to have “life figured out” could be feeling just as lost as you. Try confiding in someone you trust and ask them how they deal with these feelings when they experienced it. You may be surprised at what you learn.
12. Ask for Help If the Problem Persists
Feeling lost in life is common to everyone, but typically it will last for a relatively short period of time. It’s a stark comparison to having mid-life crises. Most people will confess to, at one time or another, being in a “funk.” And those are fine. But if the problem persists longer than you feel it should, don’t ignore it. There is a reason for it. When your ability to reason and consider things rationally becomes impaired, do not dismiss the problem and think it isn’t worthy of attention. Seek medical help. Also, consider it further in the event that you’ve tried the tips above and nothing seems to have changed. Afraid to ask for help? Here’s how to change your outlook to aim high!
Final Thoughts
A sense of feeling lost in life can in many ways be extremely painful and difficult to deal with. However, these feelings can also serve as a catalyst for change in your life if you acknowledge them and act. Above anything, cherish your mental well-being and don’t underestimate its worth. Seek professional guidance if you’re unable to distinguish between a sense of freedom for yourself and a sense of despair. Featured photo credit: Andrew Neel via unsplash.com
