Do you have friends who keep saying they will do something that in reality they never do? For example, they could be saying "We always wanted to go to Paris. That would be lovely," yet every time they book their vacations, they invariably choose Chicago. Or have you heard of someone who is married for ages but always talks about divorce every time she is asked whether or not she is happy in her marriage--never divorcing, never even having an affair?
If you know people like this, you should know that they are not the exceptions but rather the norm. Often people dream of something they don't have or they would rather have, without taking any action to make that happen, and, of course, without ever being happy with what they already have. These people tend to be seriously disconnected from themselves and often very unhappy. Often people chasing the ghosts of unfulfilled dreams realize at some point they are feeling, in fact, lost in their own lives.
Whenever one of my patients starts talking about these never happening fantasy, I remind them that they are doing nothing to change. The general feeling that they are wasting their lives one way or another is, in general, prevalent.
Making new plans and getting ready to change will pave their way toward fulfilment and ultimately happiness. Using for guidance the often ignored post signs pointing them in the right direction, or the mild nudges from their best friends, they can find their way to either love what they already have or change to what will make them happier and more alive.
The good news for people suffering from the "feeling lost" disorder, is that better ways to live one's life are always available. Just open your eyes, look carefully around, expand your horizon, try a few new things and you will find your trail.
As a remainder that the right path for you is never lost, just hidden, I will give you a small gift. A talisman, rather:
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Clearly! :-) I think I suffer from this syndrome... :-D I will keep your precious talisman somewhere in my mind and in my heart! :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, I can see friends dropping of the New Year's vow to lose weight already and each year they just get bigger and bigger. I told them, it's not even about changing your entire life, it's just about deciding to do a little thing here, a little thing there. No more soda. Park in the back of the parking lot and walk. If they can brush and floss, wear a seat belt, not use drugs, follow the laws, then what's a few more "musts" on the list? I find life easier to do when I know what I "won't" do rather that what I "will" because it opens up the possibilities when you realize there's only about a dozen things you won't do and thousands you will. I like your clover trail marker. Great idea! Even if folks just sort through brochures and plan out a trip, it becomes real to them and they're more likely to do it. Here's hoping everyone's New Year is truly a new year!
ReplyDeleteFrom the moment we understand we have choices, a whole world of possibilities opens up. Whether you want to start with what you will not do and elimiate that first, or make a different plan, as soon as we overcome the inertia of doing nothing and being upset about it, we start things in motion and set ourselves free to explore. You, dear Autumnforest, are so brave and experimental with your blog and writing, that I believe you have already discovered the thrills of newness and are not afraid to enjoy them. So exciting!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the post. It helps me watch what I say even more. We moan and groan sometimes without realising that the habit is detrimental and exhibits ungratefulness. That will turn into blindness and a feeling of lost.
ReplyDeleteThank you again.
To quote Horton the Elephant," I meant what I said and said what I meant an elephant is faithful one hundred percent!" This is the theory I use, so I'm very careful to make only promises I can keep.
ReplyDeleteAs I tell the children in my Kid's Church with a little faith there is nothing to big for you and God to handle. With His light we are never lost.
Thanks for this post. You have a great day and may it be blessed as you are a blessing to others!!!
A wise and inspiring reminder. Thanks for that. :)
ReplyDeleteHow do you get away from this feeling of lost!!!
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