I have always struggled with uncertainty. He is unpredictable and shows up whenever he wants. He’s also rude, ungrateful, and never offers to help with anything. Quite frankly, he’s the worst possible dinner guest.
And yet here he is. His boots under my table and yours. With the world the way it currently is, it doesn’t look like he’s leaving anytime soon.
So, I have decided to get know him more. And you know what, I’m glad I did.
I found him more provocative than I expected. And more unexpected.
He helped me see that his alter-ego, Certainty, fed my arrogance and unconsciously created a roadmap to the boring town of predictability. He also reminded me how my sojourn in life has been more interesting since I fled that town.
He made me remember the words of Helen Keller (who truly had to create her own roadmap):
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure.”
So how do we feel more comfortable with uncertainty ? Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Acceptance
It is natural for humans to demand predictability and to want to control everything, however, embracing uncertainty is an essential part of living, as very little is constant in our lives. The act of letting go and accepting things “as is” encourages us to move on and to draw our focus on things that we can control.
2. Self-Care
When everyone is feeling on edge, the best way to stay healthy and calm is self-care. Make self-care a priority as little acts for yourself can be an immediate mood booster and bring back some confidence you may have lost.
3. Positive Thinking
Your mindset is the one thing you can control, and it is super important when it comes to battling unforeseen hardships like the Coronavirus. Each morning write down five things you’re grateful for. Being grateful opens new waves of thinking that are more likely to help you come out of this favourably. There is creativity and strength in turning uncertainty into possibilities.
4. Compassion and Kindness
Everyone could do with a bit more kindness right about now. Be conscious of how people are feeling and be kind to each other. Pay it forward and spread some positivity to others that are facing unfortunate circumstances.
Maybe it’s time to make peace and break a little bread with uncertainty. It may lead us not only out of despair but to some bold and exciting new place where we could have never imagined.
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