In my career, I have provided support to many a lost soul.  It may have been a choice they made that caused consequences they were not prepared to manage.   It may have been a decision that changed things for the worse, instead of the better.  It may have been a lost love, that just plain changed everything.  It always makes me sad when I see that lost look.  I have seen it in family members, patients, coworkers, and just people passing by.  As I think of it, it’s like losing a part of yourself.  Call it drive, motivation, direction, or purpose, an event that changes a person’s life can take the soul and leave a person empty and hurting.  Saving that soul can take time, support, therapy, forgiveness, and maybe even tears, but it can be done.

Many think of souls in the context of religion, but I think of the soul as more of a moral compass.  Some sell their soul to the highest bidder for power.  Some try to ignore it and make choices that leave their soul battered and bruised.  Some lose touch with their own soul by taking drugs or using alcohol to numb pain.   Regardless of how a soul is lost, it will always be there, when someone is ready to find it again.

Everyone has their own view of the world.  They see how things operate, and they know the difference between right and wrong.  They know that hurting others is wrong, but somehow, some  people find a way to justify their actions.  I’m often surprised when working with someone in therapy as they are try to redefine their lives.  Somehow, they lost their soul by cheating on a spouse or trying to get ahead at work.  They are struggling with decisions that lead to a disaster they can’t fix.  At some point, things got out of hand and they had to rethink goals, relationships, and direction.  This brings them to therapy, and they get help to put the pieces back together.

Lost souls come from all walks of life, all stages of life, and all circumstances, and no matter the situation they can all be redeemed.  Whether you are the person who is lost, or you know someone who needs help, the lost can be saved with the right support.  If you are lost consider how you got lost.  If you know how you got lost, you can also figure out how to get found.  Relationships can be mended with honesty and a genuine understanding of what went wrong.    Without an understanding of what went wrong, a person runs the risk of repeating last mistakes.  Trust me, don’t repeat the kind of mistakes that lead to you losing your soul and yourself.

There are many lost people walking around out there that need help to find their soul again.  They need patience and guidance, and time to get back on track.  If you are one of the lost, reach out for help.  Even if you have burned bridges in the past, start rebuilding them and the other person might meet you half way if you are sincere and take responsibility.  If you know someone who is lost, you may need to take them by the hand and lead them toward finding it again.  If they are not yet ready, let them know you will be you will be there for them when they are ready.   Reclaiming a soul can be part of being happy, for life.