I had my life planned out by the time I was sixteen. I was going to go to the University of my Dreams, major in English, become a successful writer, and meet Mr. Right by the time I was a sophomore in college. I was sure of it all. Until one day, I wasn’t sure anymore. This feeling of uncertainty happened only twice in my life. I’m certain, though, that it will happen a few more times.

Once was when I was fresh out of high school. It was the summer before my freshman year and it was right around the time when everyone was moving away, moving into their dorm rooms, and starting phase two of their journey. I, however, was looking at it all via social media, as I stayed home and wished with everything in me that I had that experience: moving into my dorm, joining Phi Theta Whatever, and starting brand new. I was lost. I thought I was stuck, while everyone around me was moving forward. I thought this put a stop to my life plan, and that I would never achieve what I hoped.

I was, simply, uncertain of where my life was headed. Frankly, that scared me.

Fast forward a year and I got through my freshman year from home. The feeling of dread about the whole thing subsided with time. I stopped feeling uncertain, and started, instead, to feel like I was exactly where I needed to be. Falling in love played a huge role in that. Instead of hating being stuck in my hometown, I was suddenly thankful, because had I not been “stuck”, I never would have met and fallen in love with the person who I did. It was the right thing, at exactly the right time. Being “stuck” allowed me to do things I never would have otherwise. It allowed me to see a future that I never thought I’d see.

Now, let’s fast forward to February of this year. I feel stuck and uncertain again. I’m almost finished with my sophomore year of college, with the prospect of moving away from home for the first time looming over me like a great cloud of anxiety. The future I thought I had was ripped out from under me and I am doubting if I will get back up from this. I am suddenly uncertain of my choice in major, and I am suddenly uncertain of…everything.

Is it normal to feel like this? To feel lost? Here’s your answer: yes. It is okay to feel lost. It’s okay to not know. It’s okay to second-guess and to switch things up.

Feeling lost is not the end of the world. You will find your way again. I promise.