We've all been there, literally and figuratively. Whether you got lost on the way to your destination because your iPhone map neglected to tell you to turn left until two seconds before you were supposed to or you got "lost" figuratively and began to question everything in your life, you're not alone. Shocking, am I right?
The problem with being lost is that you tend to forget you're not alone. Everyone has experienced this at one time or another, but everyone chooses to deal with it differently. Some trust their gut and follow the road signs until they reach point B and others become overwhelmed with anxiety and worry that they will never see the light at the end of the tunnel, or the destination that they mistakenly drove by 10+ times!
Being lost, feeling alone, or even being overwhelmed with anxiety is OK. As long as you know how to deal with it. Keep in mind nothing ever goes as planned so you have to be open to failure. Getting lost means growing because you're left to find your own way out. Sure you can rely on others to help you find your way. There's nothing wrong with that, however being able to find your way on your own is liberating. It's not until you have no one else to rely on that you begin to understand being lost isn't the end of the world.
Some deal with it by traveling the world to experience something bigger than themselves, and others deal with it by keeping a strict routine so their mind has no time to wander. Some write about it on the Internet, while others immerse themselves in a book to escape real life, even if it's for no more than five minutes.
To be lost almost makes you appreciate the moment when you find what you were looking for– like that crêpe stand– even more than if you found it right away.
It's the best and worst lesson because at the time no one realizes that being lost is part of your personal growth. Your patience will be tested, your comfort zone will feel smaller than ever and you'll just wish you were a little kid again. But just go with it. First of all nothing lasts forever (thank god) and being sheltered your entire life will never prepare you for the real world (sorry to break it to you).
Open your mind a little and don't get so annoyed when you are lost. See the good in every experience and maybe next time try not to rely on your iPhone map to navigate you to your destination.
