Finding Purpose in Life When You’re Lost in the Fog

Finding purpose in life can feel impossible when everything around you is covered in fog.

You cannot see what is ahead. You do not know what will happen next. And more than anything, you feel entirely alone.

But the truth is, we are never alone.

For me, this piece of photography, a lone surfer surrounded by mist, is a deeply personal reminder about finding purpose in life, especially during uncertain times. It reminds me that no matter how unclear things seem, we need to stay anchored to something. A goal. A calling. A purpose.

Because life will always bring fog.

Some days are filled with golden sunshine and perfect waves. Everything feels right, and the path is clear. Other days are choppy, and the waves come fast, unexpected, and strong. They can knock you down before you even have a chance to brace yourself.

And then there are the silent days.

Days when you cannot see the shore or anyone around you. Days when you are floating in uncertainty, unsure of what to do next. At first, that silence feels like peace. But over time, it starts to feel like loneliness. Deep, aching loneliness, the kind that sinks into your chest like a weight.

This image reminds me of the storms I have faced in my own journey, especially as an artist.

Being a photographer can be exhilarating. Fast-paced seasons filled with creative projects and inspiring clients bring joy and purpose. But then there are the quiet stretches. The phone stops ringing. The emails dry up. And self-doubt creeps in.

Why is my work not selling?

Why are people not returning my calls?

Maybe I am not good enough.

When this happens, the thought of returning to a safe and predictable career starts to feel more and more tempting. I begin to wonder if I am on the wrong path. That is when the fog feels the thickest: when my doubts are loud and my vision is clouded.

But even then, I am not truly lost.

The surfer in the above photo reminds me of that. In the image, I love how he holds onto his board. That moment reminds me, as an artist, to hold onto my camera. No matter how hard things get, I must keep going, because the fog always passes.

And so I lean in. I listen.

Even if I cannot see the path clearly, the waves are always gently guiding me back to shore — back to purpose. Back to clarity.

In the fog, I have learned to trust in something greater than myself. Instead of spiralling into panic, I shift my energy toward growth. I take the time to learn, improve my craft, invest in my business, support my family, and give back to my community.

This verse helps anchor me:

“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)

And this one, too:

“If God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, he will certainly care for you.” (Matthew 6:30)

These truths bring me peace when the anxiety rises and the silence stretches on. They remind me that finding purpose in life does not always look like constant progress or loud success. Sometimes, it looks like stillness. Trust. And hold on.

So if you are in the fog right now — unsure, anxious, or ready to give up — I hope this encourages you.

Hold on.

You are not alone.

The fog will lift.

Your purpose is still there, waiting to meet you, one wave at a time.

If you are interested in this photo, please check out my beach gallery here!

To read another blog story about the spiritual pull of mountains, I invite you to read it here.