Feeling Lost Pt. 2

Last week, I touched on a few key points on feeling lost especially as a first-time or new parent. We've all been there and I just wish it was talked about more. In today's time, we feel alone more times than not which is the silliest thing ever because we ALL experience it at one point or another.

What I didn't touch on was feeling lost when you are not a first-time or new parent.

We are all feeling a bit lost. I can't tell you how many people I've connected with that are changing careers, picking up their entire lives and moving to a completely different state where they know nobody, completely changing their lifestyles, completely changing it all. Now, I'm not saying it's 100% because they are feeling lost. But what I can tell you is that the majority of people I have connected with are struggling. They are struggling with something or someone in their life and they are feeling lost in how to move forward.

I mean, look at this economy that we are in! I can guarantee 9 out of 10 people are feeling that "WTF" state. We all have bills and we are feeling this crunch. I don't know about you but I've had to sit down and truly figure out how we are going to survive in the state of California. Prices are outrageous here. Gas has been over $6 a gallon, groceries are triple the cost of what they were last year, school supplies & events for the kids, sports, electricity is through the roof, major appliances in the home breaking. You name it, it's happening all around us.

Some of us have been looking for employment. For MONTHS!! I can fully relate as I am one of those people. I was laid off from my previous position in January of 2023. That was eleven months ago. I've submitted so many resumes, I'm exhausted about it and have lost count. I've had interviews, reference checks, second calls to the VP of the departments to finalize details. I've been denied jobs, I kid you not, for "not having statistics listed on my resume." Ya'll, this economy and life is absurd!! I've never heard of such a thing in my life. Have you?

Five years ago, I walked into an interview for GAP call centers because I needed to have a solid income prior to bringing another baby into this world. I was 6 months pregnant. I walked in thinking "I just need an income, doesn't matter what it is... anything is better than nothing," and relying solely on commission at the time was not a solid income. I walked into a large group setting interview. My heart sunk. I immediately felt defeated. We were asked specific scenario questions. Luckily for me, I was far overqualified for an entry level "customer service rep" position so I knew the answers immediately and was able to expand by creating a visual for those surrounding me. I was offered a higher paying position on the sales team (which is not what I went in for). Point of this side story is - 5 years ago, I could get a job anywhere with a baby in my belly. Statistics and numbers didn't matter. It was who you were, how you held yourself, your education, your knowledge and experience.

Full transparency, I've had to do a complete 180 on my career path because what I once was doing is no longer sustainable for our families needs. I have been lost. It has been nothing less than an emotional roller coaster of life's occurrences. This has caused me to question who I am and what I want. I thought I knew what I wanted. I think you can relate when I say, if you're happy doing something...that's when you've found "it," right?

I wanted to sell travel because I loved creating memorable moments for everyone I came in contact with. I loved being that person that made a difference in the most memorable adventures in their lives. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy doing those things. I still sell travel (for those that don't know, I have my own travel agency that is by referral only). Feel free to check out my website here. I am always happy to assist where I can and answer questions. I have traveled to some amazing places like Fiji, Tahiti, all of Mexico, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, etc. But I will say, it's not quite as fun or enjoyable as it used to be. Things have massively changed. Why? The People. People are so angry about everything. They are so quick to compile a lawsuit against you for tiny little things (this has never happened to me personally but as an entrepreneur it's always a risk and I know several in the travel space dealing with multiple lawsuits on so many different levels). It's scary.

Stop and think about this for just a moment...What are you currently doing that is just as much fun and enjoyable as it was five years ago? Is it your job? Is it being a mommy? How have you done with navigating this course of life pre pandemic vs. post pandemic? I would love to see some comments.

A LOT HAS CHANGED.

I fully understand not wanting to talk about it. These are hard times for everyone. Nobody wants to seem negative and surely nobody wants to remind themselves of their struggles, but let's talk about it!

I am a mom of two. I've gone down that feeling lost road so many times - more often times than not; But you know what? It's ok to feel lost. Feeling lost is a part of life and how we navigate change.

Some of you are dealing with sobriety and addiction. That is a lost feeling.

Some of you are dealing with anxiety and depression. This can be insanely isolating and a true mental struggle. I know it from personal experience, which I will touch on in a different blog.

Some of you are experiencing loss or you're grieving. Whether it's a baby, a family member, a pet, a job. You are feeling lost in how you can rise above and how you'll ever be able to move forward.

You see, our mind is a crazy place. We have to feed our minds like we feed our bodies. If our minds are not nourished with the proper nutrients and positivity, it will cause this lost feeling. This feeling of confusion, sadness, anger, overwhelm. It's ok to feel this but we have to utilize our tools.

Our tools consist of:

• Daily Gratitude. What are you thankful for? This doesn't have to be long-term. What are you grateful for right this very moment? Write it down and ponder it for a moment.

• Seek support. If you are not feeling supported, please reach out. I am always here to support and help guide you. Who can you reach out to today? If you haven't read my blog post on the power of reaching out, I highly recommend touching on it. It can do wonders for your mind and soul; meanwhile you're also feeling that power of connection and checking in on someone whom may very well be feeling the same way.

• Mindfulness. I am not going to lie and say this is "easy." If you struggle with racing thoughts or have never enjoyed meditation, you are not alone. BUT, it will do wonders for your mind even if it's only for 3 minutes a day. Try to create space for you. Guided meditation always helps me. Why? Because I feel lost if I'm not guided. I am not a professional by any means, at meditation. But if you just show up for yourself, it will change your life and ease your mind.

• Breathing. Seems silly, right? We are all currently breathing. But we aren't intentionally trying to release. I promise you, you will feel a shift in your mindset if you are able to do intentional breathing.

• Exercise. Turn on an upbeat song, stand up and SHAKE IT OUT! This counts as exercise. Don't overwhelm yourself with the thought of having to "go on a walk," or "pop in that workout video." Stand up right now, and shake your tailfeather!! You will be amazed at how liberating it feels for your mind. Bonus, you just burnt some calories too.

While I am not a "yogi," throughout my adventures of feeling lost, I do know these tools may seem silly at times, but they 100% work! They keep you aligned. They remind you of your "why," and they are so helpful in times of feeling lost.