A few months ago I wrote about losing my mojo, with the long lock down and not being able to get to dad, I was feeling a bit off. 

As I got to the end of the year, all the clients I was currently working with were wrapping up and I had the opportunity to completely unplug and spend much needed quality time with my family. 

I stopped. 

For the first time in a very long time, I just stopped. And with that pause, I discovered that it wasn’t just personal drama that made me feel this way. I was actually feeling a little lost. A little directionless.

I fortunately had a session booked with my coach, Amel. After a moment of tears, and a lot of delving, Amel gave me some big questions to answer. 

I have spent the past few weeks enjoying the sunrises, and in that quiet enjoying time to reflect, rediscover and start to redefine.

I have hinted that there are some changes coming for Expat Parenting Abroad, and yes I am feeling very excited about them. But I’m not ready to share anything yet… sorry!

What I do want to share today are my tips for the 3 things you can do if you are feeling lost. 

1. Unplug. 

I honestly had forgotten how important this is. Taking time away from work, from commitments, from social media. This was the most rejuvenating thing I have done for myself in a very long time. I highly recommend if you are feeling lost to literally unplug and press pause for a while.

In that moment of unplugging, a few days, or a week, whatever makes sense for you and your life, just see what is happening around you. 

2. Reflect

I have been watching the sunrise most mornings for the past few months, sometime between 5.30am and 6am that beautiful glow comes over the horizon and I have a perfect view from my bedroom. But taking it in, without thinking about what I needed to do next, without focusing on what was happening that day, has been so much more powerful for me. 

Unplugging has given me the opportunity to use this moment for reflection and inspiration and I am pleased to share that some amazing things have come to me during this time.

When you unplug, make a deliberate effort to give yourself the time and space to reflect. In that quietude just let your mind drift, explore how you're feeling, what you’re wanting, and what is important to you. 

3. Act

It’s all well and good to reflect, but reflection also needs action for it to make a difference in your life.

I keep my journal next to my bed, and wherever something popped up for me I would make a note of it. Over a few days, I noticed the same thing popping up and decided that this must be important to me so wrote a bit more about it. What I discovered was my new direction. I realized it had been in front of me all along, but I was too busy to see it.

I have been able to take that realization and turn it into a plan. I’m no longer feeling lost, but empowered and as I already mentioned, super excited :-)

I recommend if you are spending time unplugging and reflecting that you do take what pops up and see what action you can take. You just never know where it might take you, and that can be so exciting!

If unplugging and reflecting sounds like something you want to try, I have created a simple workbook that can support you. Download your copy now - https://www.expatparentingabroad.com/lost 

And, of course, if you would like to experience the benefits of working with a coach, now is a great time to reach out to me. I will be opening my doors for 2022 very soon, so let’s chat and see if coaching is right for you - https://calendly.com/expatparentingabroad/coaching