C.J. Braden • 3 Minute Read
How to Get Lost and Find Yourself
Sometimes you have to get lost to find yourself. I know this to be true because I’ve done exactly this. After quitting my job 4 years ago, I’ve spent a lot of time knocking on a lot of doors. Not many opened. At least I tried. Many people won’t knock on those doors because they are afraid of what’s on the other side. That’s not me.
I never want to look back at my life and say “I wish I had….”. Here’s how I got lost to find myself, and maybe you need to do the same. You’ll also learn about my failures, which is something I’m proud to say I had a lot of.
Tomorrow Needs Your Skillset
In the past four years (2018-2022), I’ve experienced more failures than I can count, but I’ve learned a whole lot. I learned about my tenacity and strength. I’ve also learned exactly what I love and what I am incredibly skilled at. Of the doors that opened, I’ve seen my future and it’s bright. I now know exactly what I want to spend my time on and what I don’t. Those doors that opened have given me a glimpse of what I can be and what I will be.
Getting Lost Is a Good Way to Find Yourself
Morale of the story:
If you need to quit your job or make a huge life change in order to find yourself and to grow, you can always find a way to do so.
After quitting my job, I didn’t fall flat on my face, nor wind up homeless (again) or broke. I’ve worked since I was seven (yes, SEVEN!) and this work, work, work mindset never allowed me the freedom to figure out my exact purpose. Quitting my job allowed me to do this. Now, I didn’t lay around all day and watch a bunch of television or sleep all day. I continued to work hard, but in a different sense.
Get Lost Message
Before you think “well, she must have come from money to do this”, let me tell you my reality. Yes, I had my husband’s support (absolutely no one can do anything all by themselves!), but I used my own savings to give myself more time. I also used some money from the sale of a house renovation that my husband and I completed ourselves while living in it. I’ve always had a side hustle going…lol! I also figured out a way to make some money during this time from something I already did, which was content creation.
If you love this article, we know you’ll love this one too—it’s tells about how I was briefly homeless as a teen: How to Manifest Better for Yourself When Life Isn’t Going Your Way
Colorful Moment of Music
I pivoted into a being a creative digital content creator and writer (made complete sense given my education and background) which has been tons of fun and somewhat lucrative. Though it came with some failure and not everyone loved everything I put out into the digital world, at least I tried new things.
Hiking Can Help You Explore New Avenues
I wrote and published a book, journalled, wrote tons of articles, tried new fun hairstyles and fashion, I took online classes and earned certifications, learned how to research and experiment like never before and more. Despite some failures (no one purchased my handmade creations nor read my book, some of my YouTube videos tanked, among so many other things), I was accepted into the Creator Rewards program for Pinterest and was accepted into the SHEMedia Partner Network program to help monetize my website.
Moving To the Ocean Was Part of My Path
While I love content creation and plan to keep it going (a side hustle or some sort of hobby is a good thing for everyone to have going on for optimal mental health), now I’m exploring new ventures once again. I love to learn and know that education is what makes the world go around and around.
Learning new things helps you grow and change in ways you never thought were possible.
Travel is a Great Way to Find Yourself
In the last four years (and honestly, during my whole life…being homeless as a teen for a short time was actually helpful…I never want to experience that again, though it made me very resourceful), I always found a way to RISE. And you can too. The symbol of a phoenix rising from a fire came to me right before I quit my job with the word RISE. I will always rise up, again and again.
One’s Life Path is Never Straight
This is merely a glimpse into my path. I’m not lucky (I do not believe in luck), but I work really hard and try a lot of things. I’m also very broad-minded like my grandfather. I like experiencing new things and being open to possibility. I’m not 100% sure of my career or life path, but I’m okay with that. No one can be 100% sure of anything, really, as nothing in life is guaranteed.
Sanibel Island at Sunset by Carolyn J. Braden
My path may not be like yours but one thing I know sure is this: Everyone’s life path looks different. Don’t allow anyone to tell you that your path is wrong when your heart tells you otherwise. Take people’s advice with a grain of salt. Even mine. Do what works for you and you’ll never be wrong.
C.J. (Carolyn) Braden is a regular contributor and editor for Carolyn’s Blooming Creations. She has been featured in numerous media publications such as InStyle Magazine, on HGTV, on Bustle.com, and more. She is the author of the books Georgia McMasters in Amethyst Lake Cemetery, How To Be Yourself: 3 Little Ways to Get Back To You Being You, and the illustrator for the children’s book Bridging Connections. She is a former classroom teacher that now dedicates her life to educating others on how to live their most healthy, creative and happy life. Learn more about her visiting our About Us page.