What Do You Do When You Feel Lost

What do you do when you feel lost and don’t know what to do next?

What do you do when life no longer helps you achieve your goals?

What do you do when nothing you do seems to be right anymore and things are falling apart?

I have been struggling with these questions ever since our luggage was stolen in Cambrils, Spain on April 21 (see Do Not Waste Your Time). My case of PDSD sent me into a downward trend which is just beginning to come to an end.

In spite of this, the final eight days in Spain were truly magnificent. Even the shopping days in Valencia were filled with wonderful meals and a trip to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences.

Paella at the Beach in Valencia Photo © Jerome Freedman

And the spiritual experiences and atmosphere of Cuenca prevented me from feeling the brunt of the PDSD, especially since Jessica was able to join us there.

The first few days at home were also tolerable because Jessica came home with us to be in a wedding. Then we didn’t see her for five days and she left on the May 9.

Unfortunately, since then, I have been feeling uncertain about what to do next with my book, Healing with the Seven Principles of Mindfulness: How to Thrive and Succeed in a Complex Cancer System. I was hoping to hear from one of the many publishers and agents that I had sent proposals to while I was gone. When I got back, there were no emails or phone calls related to my book and I was disappointed.

Mala has been urging me to give the book away because it is so vital for people to become their own advocates for health care and take charge of their healing experience. It’s important for people to investigate alternatives and make lifestyle changes. Allowing the participation of friends and family are also extremely helpful.

But the clinker, as far as I am concerned, is to have a daily meditation practice to keep it all together and not get lost in the difficult times that come for all cancer patients.

So, what do you think? Should I give the book away or should I wait for some more time with the publishers and agents? Are there any other choices? Please help!