Feeling Lost? It’s Okay to Not Have Life Figured Out Yet

Have you ever felt as though you needed to have your whole life figured out right now? That was me just a week ago and then the worst happened. The outbreak of the coronavirus disease went global causing anxiety and disruption all over the world. People are dying, food and supplies are scarce and many of us (myself included) are being held hostage in our homes. This is definitely not what I had in mind when I was envisioning my life’s grand design. I can honestly say that this pandemic is the craziest thing I’ve experienced in the past 27 years of existing. I think that we are all accustomed to living our life a certain way and when things don’t go according to plan we start feeling lost and disoriented.

Where do we go from here? How will we bounce back from this? What will be the lasting effects after all of this is over? Unfortunately the answers to these questions are all uncertain but if there’s anything I’ve learned it’s how to adapt to the times and that change is inevitable. 

“I think that we are all accustomed to living our life a certain way and when things don’t go according to plan we start feeling lost and disoriented.”

Here’s what to keep in mind when you feel like life is out of control:

You are not alone

Everything is not as pretty as it looks on social media. The truth is, no one has it all figured out. Especially during tough times like these. We are all doing the best we can with what we know. And as humans, we are bound to make mistakes. The important thing is that we learn from them. We are ALL learning along the way through trial and error. It’s okay if you’re still figuring things out when everyone else already seems to have their plans in place. You should never feel guilty if your life looks different than someone else’s. There is no right or wrong way as life can be anything that we want it to be.

It’s going to be ok

History shows that life happens in cycles; there will always be ups and downs. When you feel like the worst that can happen has happened, one thing you know for sure is that things can only go up from there. Loosen your grip and don’t measure the success of something just on the results or how they matched up to your plan or goal.

Focus on what you can control

When we focus on all of the things that can go wrong, it stirs anxiety and stress within us. We subconsciously begin to label ourselves as victims and powerless. By remembering all of the things we can control — our responses, our attitude, our work ethic, our peace of mind — we can then move from a place of fear into a place of harmony and inner strength. 

In the moments that feel like scary uncertain madness, remind yourself things are unfolding. Give the pieces time to reveal themselves, and then take the time you need to put them together. Keep giving your all and making the most of every day.