Most of us have battled with not knowing who we are, what we really want, or where we're going at some point in our lives.

With no real sense of identity, purpose, or direction, we mostly do what we are told and focus on doing what’s expected of us.

Even if we don't talk about it, it's a feeling that many people have. Even when surrounded by friends and family, we might feel cut off from them and the rest of the world.

It's as if everything you do is insignificant to everyone else, and you feel disconnected from everyone you care about.

As an introverted, purposeless kid seeking to fit in, I used to have no idea what I was doing or where I was headed. I tried for months to ignore the painful areas of my life.

I was distracting myself with things like games and TV, which brought me a sense of peace, but only for a short time.

I knew I wanted "something more and better," but I didn't know what it was. I felt like I was too different from the people around me, so even if I did speak up, I wouldn’t feel seen, heard, or understood.

I know it's hard to believe, especially if you're in a dark place right now, but you aren't alone. You never were. Many people have felt lost at one point in their lives, and many are still stuck there.

Of course, most won't say it, but people from all walks of life go through phases of feeling lost.

Even the most enthusiastic and intelligent people you know have days when they feel lost in life. While it's comforting to know we're not alone, the question still remains:

What should you do if you're feeling lost? Here are a few things to remember when it comes to what to do when you feel lost in life:

1. Recognise that it is okay not to be okay. 

When you're feeling lost, it can be tough to know what to do next, but acknowledging and accepting that it is okay to feel this way is one step towards getting out of that state. It’s okay to be in a place where you need to figure out what to do next.

Letting yourself experience things for what they are rather than denying the facts allows you to gradually welcome meaning and clarity back into your life. 

You don't have to pretend they aren't there or assume you have to win all the fights in your mind. Recognise that it’s okay not to be okay.

2. No one has everything figured out all the time.

It’s not abnormal to feel as if you're alone, and no one else has ever felt this way before. When you're lost and confused, you look at the people around you who seem fine and think you're the odd one.

But you can't know what other people are going through unless you ask them. Even celebrities and people who seem to have "life figured out" might be as lost as you are.

The reality is that no one can possibly figure everything out throughout their lifetime. You, me, and everyone else are and will always be in a constant state of growth and learning. Besides, if you had everything figured out, what would you be living for?

Don't believe the lie that everyone has life all figured out. Because the reality is, they don't.

3. Look at your life for what it is and move forward from there. 

As you are reading this, you may not be where you want to be. But you also aren’t where you used to be, and that is a valid accomplishment to be proud of.

You shouldn’t let your current situation define your entire life. Feeling lost is an opportunity to take a break from your hectic life and figure out what matters most to you.

You also have to recognize that you often need to be alone to do that. If you're always with people, this may be hard for you to do.

Being surrounded by others all of the time might be comforting, but it can also be a source of distraction when we need to confront the truth of a situation.

And the truth is that we often hide our negative feelings and act like they don't exist so we can feel happier ones.

But solitude forces you to confront whatever issue or negative feelings you're dealing with and figure out what you need to do next, whether that involves meeting someone you trust, journaling, or even meditating.

The last point was actually a quote I read by the philosopher Henry David Thoreau that I thought you would find helpful. He says, 

4. “Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” 

Feeling lost doesn’t mean we have come to the end of the road. It can redirect us toward what matters to us most.  

You never know. The person that emerges from the other side of the tunnel might amaze you. 

As hard as it might be to feel lost, it can also be a chance for you to grow. It can help you figure out who you really are and what you want to do.

And if you can recognise and act on these things, they can change your life.

(This was a bit of a long one but I hope you find it useful on your journey).

That's all, folks. I can't wait to hear what you think. Which one did you like the most? What would you like to have more or less of? Simply reply to this email. 

Have a wonderful week!

I appreciate you taking the time and trusting me with it.

Have a wonderful week!

Nurain.

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