How can I find myself again?

Thank you for reaching out. My name is Julie and I am a clinical psychotherapist. I have been working with individuals, couples, and families for over 20 years.

There have been so many life changes over the last few years that have influenced the way that we think and experience the world and ourselves. These things have been paramount to understanding Self, our relationships, and the way that we view our experiences. Major life changes can affect how we work, learn, and interact as social beings. Much of which has led to many of us having a more virtual existence, both personally and professionally. Which can change the construct of our brain mechanisms.  Life changes, grief, and feelings of loss can result in experiencing issues of stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness or isolation, or even feelings of meaning and purpose.  

It can be harder to think of positive things during this time. However, know that when you might be feeling lost you are really on the way to the Self being "found" -  You have an incredible intrinsic awareness - be aware that when something may feel uncomfortable at the moment it is significant to provoke a change. 

When you look at what being "lost" feels like - what comes through for you most?  What do you feel? What do you experience? What are your thoughts? Have you ever experienced this before? Psychotherapy can help you delve into yourself and your mindset and make connections that will evoke a new awareness and narrative. 

if you're feeling lost, the first thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone in these feelings. Even the most charismatic people you know, whether in person or even celebrities of some sort, experience days where they are feeling lost in life, are losing interest in things, or are feeling confused and frustrated at the same time.  There is hope - and know that this is a shift or transition. You will learn exponentially more about yourself as you go through this time of life. Psychotherapy can aid in awareness and also provide your map in the direction you need to be.  

Please keep in mind that you have all the answers within you and you will be able to have confidence in your abilities to thrive. It may be tough at times,  but learning how to be content with yourself and comfortable in your own skin will give you confidence and a sense of self reliance. Sometimes we can cheat ourselves out of the opportunity to become self reliant when we look for constant reassurance or companionship. Having periods of uncertainty may be uncomfortable,  but it is also a perfect place for you to spend some time with yourself to build your efficacy and confidence. 

Feeling lost in life also can be a life signal to indicate you're in search of something. Telling yourself that you feel lost is a good step as it can prompt action. You have reached out in order to provoke action. You are in touch with your soul. Deep down, your strongest revelations can happen when you are alone and needing a place of relaxation and soothing. This search for meaning and purpose can help as a catalyst. You are in control. Only you have the ultimate say as to how you choose to react, what your thoughts are, and what your actions will be. Remember that you are in control.  You have all the answers within you. 

Perhaps you were feeling lost because your life circumstances have taken you away from a routine or from a different persona. Every circumstance you encounter in your life is designed to teach you and also, every lesson in turn is growth while simultaneously passed on to others. 

It is important to identify and surround yourself with your support systems. Also, reach out to professionals for additional help. When you think about what you were feeling you can examine different parts of your life that have led you to this point. When was the time you felt the most authentic and fulfilled? What were the circumstances of this particular point in your life? Did you have a lot of social connections? Were you spending more time in nature? What was your work life balance like? Chances are, you will begin to realize some differences between that time in your life and your current feeling now.

A few questions: What resonates the most with you as you look at your past and times that you felt most on track with your true place in life. What is missing? During the therapeutic process you will be able to look and find what your goals are and what are some things that you want to do in your life that maybe you have not done yet. 

Also, if you keep doing the same things that made you feel lost, chances are, you will continue to feel this way. There's a neurological reason that people stay in habits and patterns that might not be advantageous in the long run.  Getting into a new routine can revitalize your life. Old habits die hard for a reason.  They may be woven into the fabric of our brain states. We can be wired for specific kind of activations very early in life in these habitual responses are automatically activated in daily living, often without conscious awareness. Once they are set they are likely to continue. Until there is an awareness or intervention. You are experiencing an "awakening" for a reason. You are realizing certain things within yourself that are not congruent to where you want to be. That is a huge part of growth and change! You have the answers! 

Remember, more than anything, growth does not happen in your comfort zone. Sometimes when you are feeling lost or "a bit off", it might just be there to help you learn something new and to grow. There is a powerful part of you waiting to be activated. Therapy can inspire a new approach that empowers your emotion and thoughts to work in common cause, rather than at cross purposes, to help manage your most volatile feelings. You will be able to have newly charted links between neural circuitry and your most primitive passions to merit open minded and thoughtful consideration in order to achieve your ultimate goals.