4 Truths That Will Help You Survive An Existential Crisis

Start by realizing you are not alone.

Ali Rizvi / Unsplash

Almost inevitably, there are moments in life that leave you feeling confused about your purpose on this planet.

Maybe you’re miserable in a job, and it seems you’ll never find fulfilling work. Perhaps you’ve spent countless hours working towards a goal, but it still feels out of reach. You may be experiencing a devastating breakup, unsure if you can forge a life on your own.

Or you might simply be awake at night resenting the fact that everyone on your social media feed seems to have more friends, greater accomplishments, and happier relationships than you do.

I have had my share of existential angst in all of the above ways. Here are the four reminders about life that have worked for me:

1. Everyone’s Life Is Messier Than You Think

Each of us struggles to understand who we are, what we want, and why we are here. It is the universal truth that has driven humans towards faith, art, culture, and community for millennia. We yearn for a greater source of meaning because we understand so little on our own.

In the modern age of Instagram and LinkedIn, it’s easy to lose touch with this reality. Our peers always…