Lost, drifting out at sea.
The secure ship you once found yourself in now seams like a tiny raft in an immense ocean, alone, drifting aimlessly. Perhaps you're on the brink of drowning.
For months, or even years, you've resented the fact that you lost your ship. You're not okay with the fact that you have no idea where you are, or where you're going.
Others telling you to just "accept" that you're lost only infuriates you more. If you hear the words "let it go" one more time, you might punch someone in the face.
But then unexpectedly, someone comes along and reminds you, gently but firmly, that yes, you are out at sea. And yes, you are lost. Yes, that's where you are right now.
But they stop there.
They don't go on to explore the reasons why you might be lost, or why it's not such a bad thing, or that someday you'll find meaning in these challenges.
No. They just remind you that you are lost at sea in a raft, all alone, drifting without aim.
Someone I care deeply about has been feeling lost for a while. When the topic comes up, I've mentioned trying to accept that they're lost.
But like many people, this person has a hard time "accepting" things that are unpleasant. They know in their mind that acceptance will help, but they don't necessarily know how to do it, or what that even looks like.
Then I had a thought, and said, "What if you just stated things as they are? What if you shouted from the rooftops, and just admitted it?"
And that's it.
There's no need to say why it's bad, or how someday it'll get better. Just state what you know. You're feeling lost. Nothing more, nothing less.
If you, or someone you care about, is feeling lost in life and beating themselves up over it, you might suggest this the next time it arises.
It's important for those of us who are feeling lost, and for those who know people feeling this way, to be open to listening to things over and over again, said in new ways, by different people.
You or your loved ones may have heard the words "let it go" a thousand times, but until the right person says the right thing at the right time, those words won't sink in.
If something doesn't sink in now, don't get discouraged. I promise you there is another message, another person, another way of saying something, that will resonate better with you. If this article isn't it, then it will find you another time, in another form.
If you feel lost, then that's how you feel. Shout it from your rooftop. Make it your claim.
"I am lost! I am lost! I am so very lost!
That's it.
Live with substance!
Gabe Orlowitz
