11 THINGS “WORTH DOING” WHEN FEELING LOST IN LIFE…

There are certain mental states that I believe everyone will experience at least once in their lives. No matter how old you are, or what jobs you are doing.

Recently, whenever I scroll through social media, I come across posts or videos with content like: the crisis at 20, the uncertainties at 25, the haziness at 30, etc., from many young individuals’ personal channels.

Young people are a generation at the crossroads of various lifestyles within society. This means they are simultaneously exposed to the distant cultures inherited from their families, grandparents, and parents. However, when they start going outside to work or study, they have to adapt to the culture and environment of the young community or the community where they dedicate themselves every day. Particularly, as the country continues to open up, foreign cultures and mindsets are imported, and once again, they must open the doors of knowledge to embrace all of that.

The convergence of different cultures and the abundance of choices, tools, and means for personal and career development have contributed to leading young individuals into a vague, hazy, and directionless path for themselves. How to choose, how to excel, how to define oneself when there are so many talented people around, and yet, one does not truly know what they are good at or what they want? How can one not feel lost when, after a period of study and work, one realises that they do not actually enjoy the job as much as they thought? And many more questions arise.

When confronted with a myriad of tangled thoughts, young people often find themselves in a perplexing state, veering towards ambiguity, scepticism, and, at times, resigning to their fate regardless of where life leads them!

My dear friend, if you are still young and find yourself entangled in such states, remember to remain calm! Because, even we adults, having experienced much, still stumble, occasionally feel lost, wrestle with restlessness, and grapple with uncertainty about our own lives…

I can assure you that these periods of confusion and self-doubt are not unique to you alone. Life, for everyone, unfolds similarly, only differing in the timing. Some adults mature swiftly, while others take more time. Some undergo experiences from a young age, while others truly embark on their journey well into their 30s. So, I reiterate, there is no need for you to worry!

If you are feeling uncertain about yourself, there is no need to force yourself to try, strive to find motivation, or proclaim financial goals to uplift your spirits. You know, the journey of self-discovery and self-improvement is not at all easy. Along this journey, sometimes, you need to shower yourself with more love than diving headfirst into correcting yourself and projecting the perfect aspects outward. Because perfecting oneself is not just about making everything look better from the inside out, but also about how you embrace the imperfections within yourself, and letting the ugliest corners within you be exposed, loved, and comforted.

I, too, was once young, and I am as well currently on a journey of growth and self-improvement. Despite being someone who heals, someone labelled as a mental health coach by some, there are times when I still fall into states of fatigue, discouragement, and uncertainty with myself, yet even though these moments are short-lived, and I always find a way to overcome them swiftly, so I want to tell you that I am just like you!

In moments like these, I will not exert excessive effort; instead, I will ease everything, including my thoughts and emotions, “redirecting” negative states to find the most practical solutions. Below are 11 things I want to share with you, so you can navigate through the hazy phases both interestingly and peacefully!

Feel free to implement all or choose a few suggestions for yourself, and consider rotating them regularly to create even more wonderful experiences!

1. Get enough sleep.
   Staying up late, overworking, and lack of sleep are challenges many young people face. I often joke with my Truly Inspired teammates that we can identify the thief in the night but struggle to prevent ourselves from being the thieves of our own sleep. I suspect you might relate, am I right? ^^
   However, prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to a sense of being “feet off the ground,” lacking alertness, and gradually becoming unclear about everything around you.
   If you are feeling foggy as well, indulge in a deep sleep tonight. Turn off all phone and computer notifications. Allow yourself a full, uninterrupted night’s sleep, because you have likely been working hard lately!

2. Take care of your skin, eat well, exercise, or meditate regularly.
   Basic yet often neglected practices that become luxurious treats. Some forget to eat or exercise due to work, while others stay up too late, only to collapse into bed without tending to their dry and ageing skin. However, you know, every moment you invest in yourself is a worthwhile contribution to a happier life!

3. Read all your favourite books or listen to all podcasts you find inspiring.
   This might sound super mundane, right? However, try this instead. If you have a hammock and a small garden at home, create a cosy space with swaying hammocks, vibrant greenery, immerse and “sway” yourself in a captivating podcast or a thought-provoking book; and it does not have to be a huge book – even a novel will do. Engaging in such an environment can flick the “flow” switch on all your senses! Create a space for genuine enjoyment rather than just going through the “monotonous” motions of reading or listening!

4. Make a list of your loved ones and actively check in on them weekly.
   In reality, for adults, this is quite a luxury. Everyone is busy with their own schedules, and taking the time to care for and inquire about those beside us may not even be a frequent occurrence, so how can one spare enough time for distant loved ones, right? However, my dear friend, I am not suggesting that you have to strain your brain to think of distant relatives to add to a mandatory weekly check-in list; that would be tedious. I am just reminding you that it has been a while since you last called your parents or siblings, asked an old friend from years ago how they are doing now; or how long has it been since you last inquired about the well-being of a close business partner? Just that, if you feel it is enough. As I mentioned before, do not force yourself when feeling vague, my dear friend!

5. Find a new hobby that inspires you and learn it: baking, painting, cooking, decorating, a new language, working out, performing arts, etc.
   You might not do as many things from the 11 suggestions I have given, but number 5 is not to be overlooked! One of the ways to improve yourself significantly is by exploring a new field that inspires and betters you. From a totally novel hobby, yet, you know, it can help you become immensely rich both literally and figuratively.
   
   It is because I have genuinely met many people like that in life. For instance, a homemaker who, after years of being unemployed and not knowing how to get back to work, feeling belittled by her husband, out of boredom went online to learn baking. Eventually, she owned a beautiful, renowned bakery, was invited by many TV channels for news coverage, and even became an inspiration for many other homemakers! So, each of us has hidden talents, both positive and negative, so choosing to learn a new hobby might activate a latent talent you would not normally recognise!

6. Actively cook for yourself.
   Cooking for yourself is not challenging at all; the real difficulty arises when catering to others due to differing tastes. In my opinion, while daily cooking may not be essential, having 1-2 go-to dishes that you can prepare exceptionally well is a good idea. Then treat yourself to a delightful evening during the weekend with a delicious meal and a relaxing glass of wine, my dear friend! It is all that is needed – a simple yet effective way to recharge after a demanding week.

7. Keep a journal to document your own journey.
   Writing has always been a fascinating and mysterious realm for me. Because the deeper I engross myself in this world, even if my writing does not always resemble that of an accomplished author, the more it allows me to explore the nooks and crannies within myself, especially when I practise focused writing. Sometimes it is emotions laid bare, sometimes it is happiness, and often it is melancholy. Journaling is a meaningful journey that helps me revisit past moments, leaving a unique imprint of my experiences.
   
   This is because I never know how my future will unfold or who I will encounter, but through journaling, I can look back on the past with countless memories and experiences that no amount of money can buy or depict. Give it a try yourself, just write anything you want – just putting pen to paper is already a positive step!

8. Set a travel goal for any time of the year you fancy.
   Reading until this point, some of you might be thinking, “Wait, why set a solid goal when I am still feeling vague,” am I right? Well, this goal is different! It is the goal for relaxation, experience, and your own comfort. It does not have to be a faraway place, and it does not even require luxurious travel. Just a small backpack, a cute little car heading to the countryside, or going to a place just a few dozen kilometres away from your home is enough. And for those with more financial means, book a flight, reserve a hotel, and explore a city or country to make friends with yourself. When things seem unclear, travelling is a way to see your own mind more clearly, my dear friend.

9. Prioritise your health check-ups:
   It is crucial to make this a regular practice. Every six months or, at the very least, once a year. Do not neglect your body. After a year of hard work, it is easy to miss the signals your body might be giving you if something is not right, so schedule regular health check-ups to ensure everything is operating at its best.

10. Connect with a supportive community that enables you to live with your truest self:
    Find a community where you can live authentically, surrounded by joy, happiness, health, and respect for who you are, come to that place! I know many people whose home, sadly, is not a place of support and understanding, and they have to seek out those embracing arms among strangers; many find their truest selves amidst such communities. If you are feeling lost as well, find a place where you belong, as there will be people who understand and can guide you toward the next steps in life.
    
    And of course, if you cannot find that community, there is always our Truly Inspired team; we are here to listen and accompany you whenever you need us!

11. Celebrate your birthday in a special way: either enjoying it solo or gathering with your close friends for some wild and crazy activities, etc.
    I know many of us have never really experienced the concept of a birthday, or never had someone organise even a small party to welcome the new age. I understand it can be disheartening, and you might feel a bit pitiful when you see others being celebrated. However, my dear friend, if life does not bring it to you, just create it yourself; it is not that difficult. You know what, celebrating your birthday alone is one of those really chill and enjoyable feelings, as you can comfortably dream, reflect, and even laugh or cry without worrying about anyone watching or judging.
    
    Once a year, make sure to dedicate your birthday to yourself in the most extraordinary way possible! Life waits for no one, and since it is your own life, feel free to paint it with the colours you desire, remember that!

Remember, do not sit there and let the vague feelings eat you up, because when vagueness fades away, it will surely return; instead, learn to embrace vagueness and throw a splendid party to celebrate with it, my dear friend!

Much love,
Truly Inspired