Do you know that feeling when you’re just drifting through life? Are you not sure which way is up? Yeah, we’ve all been there. It’s like you’re lost in a maze and can’t find the exit. But here’s the thing: being lost is just a temporary state. It doesn’t define you. You can help a friend or loved one find their way out of that maze and back onto a path that feels right for them with the right words of comfort and encouragement.
So, if you’ve got someone in your life who’s feeling a little lost right now, here are 35 comforting things you can say to let them know they’re not alone and that brighter days are ahead:
How to Offer Comfort & Encouragement to Someone?
When your friend is going through an existential crisis of sorts, feeling uncertain about their future and their place in the world, the way you approach the conversation is just as important as what you actually say. You want to make them feel seen, heard and supported – not judged, pitied, or dismissed.
Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind:
- Listen more than you speak. Let them vent, process, and express themselves. Sometimes just feeling truly heard can be incredibly therapeutic.
- Validate their feelings. Resist the urge to minimize what they’re going through or pressure them to “just get over it.” These emotions are real and valid.
- Avoid cliches or generic platitudes. Skip the “everything happens for a reason” speech and aim for something more personal and specific to their situation.
- Remind them that this is temporary. Feeling lost doesn’t mean being lost forever. This is simply a season they’re moving through.
- Offer your continued support. Let them know that you’re here for them beyond just this one conversation. You’ve got their back no matter what.
Got it? Great. Now that we’re on the same page about delivering these sentiments with love and care, let’s get into those 35 go-to phrases. I’ve broken them down into a few categories for easy reference…
35 Comforting Things to Say When Someone Feels Lost In Life
1. “I know you feel lost right now, and that’s okay.”
“It’s not a failure or a flaw to feel uncertain about your path. It’s a normal part of the human experience that we all go through at times.”
- Why it works: Validating their feelings as normal and acceptable can help them feel less alone and ashamed about their current state.
2. “You’re not alone in this.”
“So many people feel lost or unsure about their direction at some point. It’s a shared experience that connects us all.”
- Why it works: Reminding them that they’re not isolated in their struggle can provide a sense of comfort and community.
3. “This is just a chapter, not your whole story.”
“The way you feel now is not permanent. Like all things, it will change and evolve with time. New chapters are waiting to be written.”
- Why it works: Providing a larger perspective can help them see their current situation as a temporary, transitional phase rather than a fixed state.
4. “Your feelings are valid.”
“It’s understandable to feel lost, confused, or uncertain given what you’re going through. Don’t judge yourself for having these emotions.”
- Why it works: Affirming the validity of their feelings can help counteract any self-judgment or criticism they may be experiencing.
5. “I believe in your resilience.”
“You’ve overcome challenges and navigated uncertainty before. Those same strengths will help you get through this too.”
- Why it works: Reminding them of their past resilience can help reignite a sense of self-efficacy and hope.
6. “You have so much to offer the world.”
“Your unique gifts, talents, and perspective matter. The world needs what only you can give.”
- Why it works: Affirming their inherent worth and value can help counter feelings of purposelessness or insignificance.
7. “It’s okay to not have all the answers.”
“No one has it all figured out, even if it seems like they do. Embrace the questions and the journey of discovery.”
- Why it works: Removing the pressure to have everything solved can create space for self-exploration and growth.
8. “Take all the time you need.” “There’s no set timeline for figuring it out. Move at the pace that feels right to you and trust your own process.”
- Why it works: Encouraging them to honor their individual timeline reduces the pressure to rush through this important inner work.
9. “I’m here to listen, whenever you need.”
“You don’t have to navigate this alone. I’m here to lend an ear, provide support, or just sit with you in the discomfort.”
- Why it works: Offering your caring presence and willingness to listen can help them feel seen, heard, and supported.
10. “Your feelings don’t define you.”
“You are so much more than your current emotions. They are a passing experience, not the core of who you are.”
- Why it works: Separating their identity from their emotions can help them maintain perspective and not over-identify with the pain.
11. “This could be the start of something new.”
“Feeling lost often precedes great change and transformation. This could be the first step towards a life-altering revelation or direction.”
- Why it works: Reframing the discomfort as a potential catalyst for positive change can help instill a sense of hope and possibility.
12. “I admire your courage in facing this.”
“It takes bravery to acknowledge when you feel lost and to openly wrestle with life’s big questions. I respect your honesty and vulnerability.”
- Why it works: Acknowledging the strength it takes to confront these feelings head-on can help validate and encourage their efforts.
13. “Your pace is the perfect pace.”
“There’s no need to compare your journey to anyone else’s. Trust the timing of your own path and process.”
- Why it works: Discouraging comparison and promoting self-trust can alleviate the pressure to conform to external standards.
14. “I see your light, even if you can’t right now.”
“The spark within you is still shining, even if it feels obscured by clouds of confusion. I can see it, and I know it will guide you through.”
- Why it works: Reflecting their inner light and potential can provide a beacon of hope and help illuminate their self-worth.
15. “You grow through what you go through.”
“These challenging experiences, as uncomfortable as they are, contain lessons and opportunities for immense personal growth.”
- Why it works: Reframing the struggle as a growth opportunity can help give it meaning and purpose.
16. “Your story is still unfolding.”
“The best parts are yet to be written. Trust that the upcoming chapters hold exciting new plot twists and character development.”
- Why it works: Reminding them that their journey is still in progress can help instill a sense of anticipation and openness to future possibilities.
17. “I’m proud of you for being true to yourself.”
“It takes courage to admit when something isn’t working or when you need to change course. I admire your authenticity and self-awareness.”
- Why it works: Affirming their self-honesty and bravery can help validate their experience and encourage continued introspection.
18. “Your experience is a teacher.”
“This feeling of being lost is here to teach you something valuable. Listen to its wisdom and let it guide you to new understanding.”
- Why it works: Positioning the discomfort as a teacher can help them approach it with curiosity and openness rather than resistance.
19. “You are more than your productivity.”
“Your worth is not measured by your output or achievements. You are inherently valuable, regardless of what you ‘do’.”
- Why it works: Decoupling their self-worth from external markers of success can alleviate the pressure to perform and allow for a more authentic sense of self.
20. “Trust the journey, even when you can’t see the destination.”
“You don’t need to have the whole route mapped out to take the next right step. Trust that the path will reveal itself as you go.”
- Why it works: Encouraging trust in the process can help ease anxiety about the future and promote presence in the current moment.
21. “Your intuition is your compass.”
“Deep within, you have an inner guidance system that knows your true north. Listen to that quiet, intuitive voice and let it lead the way.”
- Why it works: Affirming their inner wisdom can help them feel more empowered and self-directed in their journey.
22. “You are allowed to change course.”
“What used to fit may not anymore, and that’s okay. You are allowed to outgrow old dreams, relationships, or versions of yourself.”
- Why it works: Giving explicit permission to change and evolve can help free them from the pressure to stay on a path that no longer serves.
23. “I honor your bravery in stepping into the unknown.”
“It takes immense courage to venture into uncertainty and to trust the unfolding of your path. I see and honor that bravery in you.”
- Why it works: Acknowledging the courage it takes to embrace the unknown can help validate their experience and encourage continued exploration.
24. “You are the author of your own story.”
“You get to decide what the next chapter holds. You have the power to write a narrative that aligns with your deepest truth and desires.”
- Why it works: Reminding them of their authorship and agency can help them feel more empowered and in control of their journey.
25. “Your challenges are making you stronger.”
“Every obstacle you face is an opportunity to develop new strengths, resiliency, and self-understanding. You are becoming a more empowered version of yourself.”
- Why it works: Reframing challenges as opportunities for strength-building can help instill a sense of purpose and growth.
26. “I believe in the wisdom of your soul.”
“Your soul knows the way, even when your mind feels lost. Trust that inner guidance and let it light your path forward.”
- Why it works: Affirming their innate spiritual wisdom can provide a sense of grounding and direction amidst uncertainty.
27. “You are exactly where you need to be.”
“Every step of your journey, even the ones that feel ‘off track’, are part of the perfect unfolding of your path. Trust the timing of your life.”
- Why it works: Assuring them that they are in the right place can help ease the pressure to ‘fix’ or ‘solve’ their current situation and instead promote acceptance.
28. “Your worth is unchanging.”
“No matter how lost you feel, your inherent worth remains the same. You are valuable, lovable, and enough, always.”
- Why it works: Emphasizing their intrinsic worth, independent of external circumstances, can provide a vital anchor of self-assurance.
29. “It’s okay to rest.”
“Feeling lost is exhausting. Give yourself permission to pause, breathe, and replenish your energy. The answers will come when you’re ready.”
- Why it works: Validating the need for rest and self-care can help counteract the urge to push or force their way through the discomfort.
30. “I trust in your unfolding.”
“Even if the path isn’t clear, I have faith that your journey is unfolding exactly as it’s meant to. I trust in the larger plan for your life.”
- Why it works: Expressing your faith in their process can help instill a sense of trust and provide a stable source of support.
31. “You are stronger than you realize.”
“You have an inner reservoir of strength and resilience that will see you through this challenging time. Trust in your ability to handle whatever comes your way.”
- Why it works: Reflecting their inner strength can help inspire self-confidence and a sense of capability.
32. “It’s okay to not be okay.” “You don’t have to put on a brave face or pretend to have it all together. It’s okay to acknowledge the pain and confusion you’re feeling.”
- Why it works: Giving permission to be in discomfort can alleviate the pressure to ‘perform’ okayness and create space for authentic processing.
33. “This is a sacred time of transformation.”
“The periods where we feel most lost are often the most fertile ground for growth and rebirth. Honor this time as a sacred rite of passage.”
- Why it works: Framing the experience as a transformative, sacred journey can imbue it with deeper meaning and purpose.
34. “Your feelings are a compass, not a cage.”
“Your emotions are messengers, guiding you towards what needs attention and alignment. Listen to them, but don’t let them trap you.”
- Why it works: Encouraging a healthy relationship with emotions – one of listening but not over-identifying – can help them navigate the complexity of their inner world.
35. “You are love, and you are loved.”
“No matter how lost you feel, remember this: you are a being of love, and you are deeply loved. Let that truth anchor and guide you.”
- Why it works: Reconnecting them with the fundamental truth of their lovability and belongingness can provide a vital source of comfort and grounding.
Practical Tips for Finding Your Way
In addition to offering emotional support, there are also some practical things you can encourage someone to do when they’re feeling lost:
- Make a list of their values, passions, and goals. Sometimes, seeing these things in black and white can provide clarity and direction.
- Encourage them to try new things and step outside their comfort zone. Trying a new hobby, taking a class, or volunteering can open up new possibilities and perspectives.
- Help them create a vision board or a “future self” journal. Visualizing their ideal life can help them start taking steps to make it a reality.
- Remind them to prioritize self-care and mental health. Feeling lost can be mentally and emotionally exhausting, so it’s important to take care of themselves during this time.
- Suggest they seek out a therapist, coach, or mentor. Sometimes, an outside perspective can provide valuable insight and guidance.
Conclusion
Feeling lost is a normal, if challenging, part of being human. We all find ourselves in the wilderness from time to time, unsure of which direction to turn. The path forward is rarely a straight line—it’s full of twists, turns, and detours.
If someone you care about is in the thick of it right now, the most important thing you can do is remind them that they’re not walking alone. Your words of comfort, understanding, and encouragement can be a balm for their weary soul.
So use the messages in this article generously. Sprinkle them into your conversations. Text them out of the blue. Write them in a card. Offer them up like little prayers, sent out on the wind with love.
And if you find yourself feeling lost, know this: you are not broken. You are not off-track. You are not failing. You are simply in the space between stories, trusting that the next chapter is already taking shape, even if you can’t see it yet.
Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Keep listening for the whispers of your own wisdom. Keep faith in the unfolding.
You’ve got this. And you’ve got a whole community of fellow humans (including me) cheering you on, every step of the way.
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