Folks often ask me how to navigate the next step when life throws a curveball. Here is my answer — life is a journey, and a dance of discernment demands a lot of heart and soul to meet the moment.

As a native daughter of Los Angeles, I watched in horror, along with everyone else, as my neighborhood burned to the ground in the recent Southern California fires. Mother Nature and luck of the draw spared my family and me from destruction and loss this round. However, the trauma of these sudden random events can unleash unspeakable terror and destabilizing uncertainty.

Trauma is unpredictable. It does not deliver an invitation but does assault us with horrifying shock and awe, rendering us untethered.

“I survived because the fire that burned inside of me burned brighter than the fire around me.” — Unknown

What to do? How does one pick up the pieces and navigate forward? Resilience is not automatically a given but a necessity for successful healing and recovery.

There is no one right way to heal or become unstuck. The soul demands a gentle and loving process of compassionate kindness towards ourselves.

Here’s how to get unstuck, reconnect with your sense of purpose, and create a directional roadmap for the journey:

1. Acknowledge the Challenge and the Journey:

• Acceptance of what is: Feeling adrift is a natural part of life’s journey. It’s often the pause before a breakthrough or transformation.
• Reframe the drift: See this phase as a time for exploration and self-discovery rather than stagnation. Sometimes, the most profound clarity comes from moments of uncertainty.
• Take inventory: Reflect on what has led to this moment. What lessons or experiences might this chapter be teaching you?

2. Practice Discernment to Find Clarity:

• Quiet the external noise: Remove yourself from social media, societal pressures, and others’ expectations. Focus inward to connect with your authentic self.
• Ask reflective questions: What calls me to let go of old patterns or roles? What am I longing for at a soul level? What feels authentic and meaningful to me right now?
• Sort through your feelings. Not all emotions require immediate action. Discern between temporary discomfort and deeper signals of change.

3. Take Small, Meaningful Next Steps:

• Start where you are: Even if the big picture is unclear, small actions can lead to significant shifts. Begin with what feels doable, whether journaling, tending to logistics, or reaching out to someone for advice.
• Focus on alignment: Ask yourself, “Does this step move me closer to feeling whole or aligned with my values?” Let this guide your choices.
• Embrace imperfection: Progress doesn’t have to be linear or perfect. Taking imperfect steps is still movement.

4. Reconnect with Your Soul’s Compass:

• Nurture your inner life: Spend time with practices that help connect with a more profound sense of self — whether through meditation, prayer, art, or simply being in nature.
• Follow what sparks joy: Our souls often speak through what excites or energizes us. Notice the small moments that feel fulfilling and allow them to be a guide.
• Visualize your future: Imagine the version of living a purposeful life. What choices are to be made? What steps need to be taken to move forward?

5. Trust the Flow of Your Journey:

• Let go of the need for certainty: It’s okay not to have all the answers. Trust that clarity will come through small action steps. By the way, conscious inaction, if appropriate, is an action.
• Be open to serendipity: Life often unfolds in unexpected ways. Stay curious and embrace opportunities as they arise.
• Celebrate small wins: Recognize even the smallest moments of progress — evidence that you’re moving forward, even if it feels slow.

6. Seek Support When Needed:

• Find anchors in the community: Share your feelings with trusted friends, mentors, or a qualified therapist/coach who can offer constructive perspective and encouragement.
• Read, learn, and explore: Dive into books, podcasts, or workshops that resonate with your soul’s longing. They can spark new ideas or directions.
• Ask for signs or guidance: If you’re spiritual, seek wisdom through prayer, meditation, or journaling. The answers we seek are often within ourselves, waiting to be uncovered.
• Feeling adrift is not a sign of failure but an invitation to pause, reflect, and realign with a more profound and proactive truth. Trust the journey, honor your soul, and navigate by taking life one day and one step at a time.

Like what you’re reading? Want more consciously prepared brain food?

Listen to this Harvesting Happiness episode: Navigating Next Steps: A Journey of Soul Discernment with Emily P. Freeman or wherever you get your podcasts.

Take an even deeper dive with More Mental Fitness by Harvesting Happiness on Substack and Medium.

GUEST BIO: Emily P Freeman holds a master’s degree in Spiritual Formation and Leadership from Friends University. She is driven to offer spiritual companionship and discernment to anyone struggling with decision fatigue.

Emily is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of six books. Her latest book How to Walk into a Room: The Art of Knowing When to Stay and When to Walk Away helps readers uncover when to move on.