Let’s be real, sometimes life feels like a bad rom-com, but instead of a quirky happy ending, you’re just left standing in the rain, wondering why your horoscope lied to you again. Maybe you just went through a breakup, maybe your boss sucks, or maybe you’re just questioning your entire existence at 2 AM with a pint of ice cream (relatable).
When life gets messy, Buddhism has some pretty solid wisdom to help you untangle it. No, I’m not saying you have to shave your head and meditate on a mountaintop (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, go off, queen). But asking yourself the right questions can shift your perspective and, dare I say it, actually make you feel a little better.
So, grab that melting ice cream, take a deep breath, and let’s get into 7 Buddhist questions that will help you find your way when you’re feeling utterly lost.
1. Who am I without my problems?
Think about it, are you really just a walking collection of anxieties, bad decisions, and unanswered texts? Buddhism teaches that we aren’t defined by our circumstances or struggles. You’re not “the girl who got ghosted” or “the one who keeps failing at adulting.” You’re something deeper. Strip away all the drama, and what’s left? (Spoiler: It’s someone pretty amazing.)
What to do:
Write down everything that’s bothering you, then ask, “Who am I beyond this?” It’s like cleaning out your mental closet, messy at first but totally worth it.
2. Am I clinging to something that’s already gone?
Buddhism is big on non-attachment, and for good reason. Ever tried to hold onto a bad relationship, a toxic friendship, or a pair of jeans from high school that almost fit? Clinging to the past won’t bring it back.
What to do:
Ask yourself: “Am I mourning something that’s already left?” If the answer is yes, practice letting go, start small, like finally deleting their number (yes, even from the ‘blocked’ list).
3. What am I avoiding?
Procrastination isn’t just for work deadlines, it’s also how we deal with our emotions. Sometimes, we stay “lost” because we’re afraid of confronting the real issue. (And yes, endlessly scrolling TikTok counts as avoidance.)
What to do:
Get brutally honest with yourself. What are you running from? Is it a hard conversation? A change you know you need to make? Call yourself out, gently, but firmly.
4. Am I expecting life to be fair?
Oof, this one stings. We want life to be fair. We want karma to take down our enemies immediately, not in some vague “it’ll all work out” kind of way. But Buddhism reminds us that fairness is a human concept, not a universal law. Life isn’t about what’s “fair”, it’s about what is.
What to do:
Shift your mindset. Instead of asking, “Why me?” ask, “What now?” Adjusting your expectations can save you from a lot of unnecessary suffering.
5. If I knew I’d be okay, what would I do?
Fear keeps us stuck. What if you knew you’d be okay no matter what? What risks would you take? What relationships would you walk away from? What dreams would you chase? Buddhism teaches that suffering often comes from fear of the unknown, but here’s a secret: The unknown isn’t always bad.
What to do:
Play out the worst-case scenario, then realize it’s probably survivable. Once fear stops calling the shots, you might finally make the moves you’ve been too scared to make.
6. Am I making things harder than they need to be?
Be honest, are you overcomplicating things? Overthinking every text? Replaying past conversations like they’re Oscar-worthy dramas? Life is already tough, don’t make it tougher by turning every minor inconvenience into an existential crisis. (Yes, I said it.)
What to do:
Practice simplicity. If it’s not a hard yes, it’s a no. If it’s out of your control, stop trying to control it. Your mental energy is precious, don’t waste it on nonsense.
7. What if I just let myself be lost for a bit?
Here’s a wild thought: What if feeling lost isn’t a problem? What if it’s just part of the process? Buddhism teaches that uncertainty is natural. You don’t need to have it all figured out today, tomorrow, or even next year. Breathe. You’re exactly where you need to be.
What to do:
Instead of panicking, embrace it. Take small steps, be kind to yourself, and trust that clarity will come when it’s ready. (And in the meantime, yes, more ice cream is allowed.)
Feeling lost isn’t fun, but it’s not permanent either. The next time life has you spiraling, ask yourself these questions, take a deep breath, and remember: you’ve survived 100% of your worst days so far. You’re doing better than you think.
