The Freedom in Being Lost-
“The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.”
-Gilda Radner
The freedom in being lost
Embracing the Freedom in Being Lost: A Personal Journey
In a world that constantly demands direction and purpose, the idea of being lost can seem daunting, even terrifying. Yet, there is a profound freedom in embracing the state of being lost. It is in these moments of uncertainty and wandering that we often find our truest selves and uncover paths we never knew existed. I am a lost boy and can say I now know more about myself and more about living than most do on this planet.
The Beauty of Uncertainty
Gilda Rattner said it best when she stated, “The goal is to live a full, productive life even with all that ambiguity. No matter what happens, whether the cancer never flares up again or whether you die, the important thing is that the days that you have had you will have lived.” Being lost strips away the expectations and pressures of knowing exactly where we are headed. It allows us to let go of rigid plans and embrace the beauty of uncertainty. When we are lost, we are free to explore without the constraints of a predetermined destination. This openness can lead to unexpected discoveries and new perspectives that enrich our lives in ways we could never have planned.”
When I was most lost, there was a rich and boundless freedom. I never expected to be found by anyone again, incljding myself so I was able to just live in the moment, try things I never tried before ( and became fairly successful at them), and was able to reinvent myself without the pressure of other’s around me thinking I was “fake” or had off the deeper end.
The Journey of Self-Discovery
When we are lost, we are forced to rely on our instincts and inner compass. This journey of self-discovery can be incredibly empowering. It teaches us to trust ourselves, to listen to our inner voice, and to navigate the world with a sense of curiosity and wonder. In the process, we often uncover hidden strengths and passions that we might have overlooked in the pursuit of a fixed goal.
Embracing the Present Moment
Being lost encourages us to live in the present moment. Without a clear path ahead, we become more attuned to our surroundings and more appreciative of the here and now. This mindfulness can bring a sense of peace and fulfillment that is often missing in our fast-paced, goal-oriented lives. It reminds us that life is not just about reaching a destination, but about savoring the journey.
The Freedom to Redefine Ourselves
When we are lost, we have the freedom to redefine ourselves and our paths. We are not bound by past decisions or future expectations. Instead, we can explore new interests, take risks, and reinvent ourselves in ways that align with our evolving values and desires. This freedom to change and grow is a powerful reminder that we are not static beings, but dynamic individuals capable of endless transformation.
Finding Connection in the Unknown
Being lost can also foster a sense of connection with others who are on their own journeys of discovery. It reminds us that we are not alone in our uncertainty and that there is a shared humanity in the experience of being lost. This connection can lead to meaningful relationships and a deeper understanding of ourselves and others.
Brene Brown, my favorite social worker in the wrold talks about this kind of lost and how we aren’t really lost we are just braving the wilderness( And to you judgey ass motherfuckers, maybe she isn’t inventing a wheel but who the fuck is these days? I love her wild heart and intentions). She talks about connection and truly belogming and uses this Maya Angelou quote as her north star while lost Dr. Anmgelou started, “You are only free when you ‘realize you belong no place—you belong every place—no place at all. The price is high. The reward is great” We artist are usually some of the first in the wilderness. I’ve been in it so long, I feel more comfortable in the wildernss than I do back in civilization. My very thoughts have even grown wilder. I love it. However, I still haven’t completed grapsed true belonging. It can still easily get snatch from me if I am not very careful.
Embracing the freedom in being lost is not about giving up on finding our way, but about recognizing the value in the journey itself. It is about finding beauty in the unknown, discovering our true selves, and living fully in the present moment. So, the next time you find yourself lost, remember that it is an opportunity to explore, to grow, and to embrace the boundless freedom that comes with not knowing exactly where you are headed. I will leave you with one last thought from Ms. Radner, may she be deliciously lost in the heavens.
I leave you with a little free verse poem I wrote for my website launch video…
at some point
we all feel
LOST
unanchored
orpaned,
unmoored?*
Lost in the absence
absence of certainty
absence of direction
absence of self
Yet, in losing ourselves
we gain freedoms
freedoms to
reBUILD,
reMAKE,
reNEW
discovering hidden truths,
where hope takes root,
guiding us to our truer selves.
In every step, every misstep,
we find belonging—
to the world,
to each other,
to ourselves.
The beauty of being lost
lies in the journey.
So Get Lost
and
Find yourself
forever lost,
Wil
