Feeling Lost in Life?
Ever feel lost in life? Being lost may refer to drifting around aimlessly, feeling disconnected from yourself, feeling overwhelmed, or just plain resigned about life. You’re not alone, and there is a way out.
For a start, here are some reasons why you may be feeling lost.
1. Living up to others’ expectations
We were brought up to conform. Whether it was to the expectations of our parents, to the rules of school, to the demands of work, or to the norms of society, we are always being told how to behave. At some point along the way we became so accustomed to following expectations blindly, trying hard to prove ourselves and please others than we forgot what we really wanted and who we truly are.
2. Resigned about your dreams
There was once a little girl who loved to draw. But people around her told her that she would never make it as an artist. So she shelved her dream, studied hard, went to university, and majored business. Although she did well in school, she was miserable and could not figure out why. No matter how well she performed at her studies, there was no meaning to her achievements. Maybe you once had a dream. But getting there was so difficult that you chose to give up your dream, distracting yourself with empty pursuits. But none of those pursuits could give you that fulfillment that only your true calling could.
3. Lack of fulfilling relationships
According to psychologists, the strongest predictors of happiness by far are our relationships. People have a deep need to connect with others. In fact, our brains are wired to connect. But how many of us have deep and fulfilling relationships? When we unconsciously create a gap between ourselves and those we love, we start to lose connection with people that truly matter. That is when we might start to feel lost and lonely.
If you’re lost, you might be caught in an energy-draining loop leading nowhere. How to break out of the vicious cycle? Here are some strategies that may help:
1. Give yourself a break
Instead of keeping yourself busy, take a rest. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do but never gave yourself time to. Slow down and appreciate the little things in life. Have fun. Be spontaneous. Pamper yourself. Perhaps disengaging from constant stress will allow your best ideas to come to you.
2. Reconnect to yourself
What makes you feel most yourself? When did you last let yourself simply be? If you can’t remember when you last let yourself be you, then it may be time to reconnect to yourself. What do you love to do? What are some of your guilty pleasures? Maybe it is watching your favourite TV show, reading Harry Potter, or listening to some great music. It could be as simple as eating ice cream or catching up with an old friend. What really enlivens your soul?
3. Unplug from the world
Get away from it all. Unplug from the pressures and noise of daily life so that you can really listen to yourself. Whether you travel somewhere new or stay put, make sure that you give yourself the space and time to relax and discover your inner truth. Strip away the fluff of life and you get to the heart of what truly matters.
4. Ask for help
Still feeling lost? There is a path out of the maze. You don’t have to figure this out all by yourself. Sometimes simply having a chat could shine light on your blind spots and bring awareness to your situation, empowering you to move forward. Whether it’s a life coach, mentor, or friend, ask for help and be open to whatever shows up for you.
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