Lost and Found

We all go through life, jumping from these two states of mind, with opposite emotions, corresponding energies and feelings. At times I feel lost, confused, with doubts and fears, concerns and anxieties, a wall of darkness and uncertainties. OMG, not a very good feeling and not a positive or energizing state of mind.

I want to tell you that this is absolutely normal, occasionally, but not permanently or for any extent period of time. We’re all allowed to go through those emotional periods of being challenged, lost in our soul, experiencing various levels of self-doubt. What’s not normal or healthy, is to stay in that state of mind for a prolonged period of time, or indefinitely. A “forever lost or confused” is not normal, nor is it healthy.

The feeling of being found and settled is so full of life and energy, that it can blow your mind, especially after a feeling of being a little lost. Seeing the light has such meaning, especially after a period of darkness. Good is so much better when bad has been known and experienced. Riches is of greater value after poverty, health is much more appreciated after a period of sickness. Love and hate, success after failure, struggles followed by achievements. As a married man, I know the benefits and value of making up, after I've messed up. Do you see the power and importance of moving from lost to found. It is humbling and keeps us grounded, not taking anything or anyone for granted. Prevents complacency and/or arrogance.

Occasionally feeling lost is not only normal, I believe it is necessary and vital to our personal and professional growth. As long you are on track for recovery, being a little lost is ok. A period of reflection and introspection. I often call it a temporary period of mental delinquency, or a purposeful conflict of purpose. That's right, we become creative, refecltive, connected, as we search for meaning and purpose.

Most people find it hard to explain or justify or understand feelings, but they know when it’s happening. You remember the famous “when will I know if I am in love, or if this is the right person?” and the answer is always “You’ll know”. You can’t sleep, you can eat, you’re just hovering over cloud 9. Hard to explain, good or bad, lost or found, but experienced by everyone. Again, the mind can play nasty tricks on us. So, there is a need for caution, not to go deep into that anxiety free-fall.

Well, like falling in love, feeling found is similar in many ways. You feel you’re on top of the word, you can overcome anything, achieve anything, do anything. You have tremendous confidence and assurance. You’re full of energy, confidence and enthusiasm. You have clarity and certainty. You have a sense of direction and a sense of urgency. You feel empowered and in control. No goal is too big for you, and no challenge scares you. You’re filled with confidence that is so energizing that will drive you through a concrete wall, and across that finish line. Against all odds, your determination and commitment are mind boggling. People around you are intrigued, almost overwhelmed by your actions, choices, behaviors and consistency. Oh, what a good state of mind it is. To know and feel that you can. To feel and know that you will. To walk tall, with pride, certainty, confidence and purpose, believing in yourself and your capacity, that nothing and nobody will hold you back from being all that you want to be, and from achieving all what you want to achieve.

If today you feel a little lost, don’t worry, these are storms and clouds before the sun breaks through. We always said that failure is not the opposite of success, failure is part of success. You can’t succeed if you’ve never failed. You can’t learn how to ride that bike if you don’t fall off a few times and hurt a little. It is said that if your not failing, your just not trying hard enough.

So, I (the coach) say, hurt a little, it’s not the end of the world. Pick yourself up, believe in yourself, and go at it again, and again, and again. Every time I feel a little lost, I get excited, because I’m about to get found. I know that light comes after darkness, it always does, and will always happen. Tomorrow is another day. Today I will work on it as hard and as intensely as I possibly can. And if I am successful, I can do it again tomorrow. If I’m not, tomorrow is another day, and another opportunity for me to achieve greatness. This kind of wisdom and life experience makes me feel good even when I’m lost, and makes me feel great when I’m found. So, the worse I intend to feel, is good.

• If doesn’t make you bitter, it will make you better.
• If it doesn’t kill you, it will make you stronger.
• The road to success is full of failures.
• I was once lost, and now I’m found – I love it.

Value what you’ve been through, appreciate what you’re currently going through, and get excited about what’s to come and what you’re capable of. Find and focus on your sense of purpose and forge ahead. If and whenever you feel a little lost, laugh at it and dance around it. Tell that feeling that you know what it means, it means I’m about to be found again. Once again, I’m about to be on top of the world, with clarity and drive. Take on that feeling and don’t let that feeling to take you in.

Never forget how amazing you are, always been, and always will be. With the pride of a peacock, the strength of a tiger and the energy of the sun, time to show your colors and shine again, like never before.

Have a wonderful day, and don't forget to call or write

Joseph Sidaros, The Coach

Developing the Leaders of Tomorrow & Achieving Success by Design