Why do we feel lost? Scientifically, I can’t answer that. But emotionally, I at least have an analysis of my own situations to offer.

Feeling lost, to me, has meant being frustrated with a good job, my own house, and my own car. It means trying to fill holes I think I have with needless things: new tech, new games, new adventures.

Feeling lost has meant not knowing why I get up in the morning, or go to bed at a reasonable hour. (Well, usually reasonable.) It has made me wonder if it’s worth answering messages and texts, keeping connections with friends and family.

Feeling lost has been a sense of desire to pack up without a word and leave.

But feeling lost has also been encouragement to learn new skills, find what I really like, and begin restructuring myself around these interests.

I never realized how much I loved to learn until I wasn’t doing it anymore. It took stalling in a profession I genuinely enjoy to convince me to consider other professions, and thereby new educational opportunities.

If I never felt lost, I never would have found airsoft and just how much I enjoy it. I wouldn’t have finally started learning a second language, or really writing for myself with a goal.

Without feeling lost, I never would have started this blog. I would have found the money sink to start it to be too risky. I wouldn’t have started doing paranormal research stuff with my mom. (We’re just doing tours of places at the moment, but I hope to eventually join or start a research team around here.)

If I never felt lost, I wouldn’t have realized that where I’m at is not the limit of where I can be. I can grow past what I thought was my limit. I can learn to draw, I can learn auto mechanics, I can learn languages and physics and music.

I can get in shape and start becoming more badass. I can find a new career, and learn to manage my money. I can take charge of my situation, mental and physical, internal and external, and be in charge of it all.

Feeling lost happens to everyone at some point. You begin questioning what you’re doing with yourself and where you’re going, you get fed up with where you’re at and want to grow.

From what I’ve seen, you have two options: you can let it lead you to burnout or rash decisions, or you can try to focus that energy into making yourself more like the you you thought you would be.