Embracing the Beauty of Feeling Lost: A Fresh Perspective
Written on
Chapter 1: The Power of Words
Recently, my instructor mentioned that our approach would shift due to the pandemic. I quipped, “Ah, ‘because of Covid’—the most frustrating phrase in English.”
“Is it really that bad?” a fellow student countered. “There are worse things we could say.”
She had a point. Words hold no weight until we assign meaning to them. I had chosen to perceive that phrase negatively, while my classmate decided to lessen its impact.
This reflection led me to examine the terms I've used to describe my creative journey over the past year: “lost,” “stuck,” “floundering.” These words are merely collections of letters, each carrying different nuances. One can be hopelessly lost or just a bit off course. A person could feel somewhat stuck—like a cap on a syrup bottle—or completely trapped, reminiscent of Winnie-the-Pooh wedged in Rabbit's door. Similarly, one can flounder with frantic energy or simply stumble in a more relaxed manner.
Feeling lost can be frustrating, unless it isn't. Have you ever wandered through an unfamiliar city, taking a wrong turn, only to stumble upon a picturesque street? Once you release the anxiety of not knowing your way back, you can appreciate the unexpected beauty around you. In my case, fear is the underlying emotion that gives words their weight.
I contemplated eliminating those “negative” words from my vocabulary, but where's the enjoyment in that? Instead, I prefer to play with them. I’m not “stuck.” I'm in a phase of exploration. I’m not “lost.” I’m embracing a curious state of mind. I’m not “floundering.” I’m evolving toward a thrilling new destination.
Words, like feelings, are neutral. Even a term like “hate” can have a positive connotation; it often drives us to seek change and improvement, which can be beneficial.
This year, I'm transforming my relationship with certain words. Instead of discarding them, I'm repurposing them. I’m granting them—and myself—another opportunity. So if you see me and I appear a bit lost, that's perfectly fine. You needn’t come to my rescue, but don't hold dinner for me. It may take me some time to arrive, but I’ll have intriguing tales from my journey.
The first video, "If You're Feeling Lost...It's Actually GOOD!", explores how feeling lost can lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and creativity.