The Wisdom of Uncertainty
I used to be pretty attached to certainty (this is Carey) - to knowing what was going to happen, knowing where things stood, knowing what I was doing. Increasingly though, I’m learning to embrace uncertainty.
Uncertainty allows for going off the path, off-schedule, away from expectations. There is more freedom and creativity in uncertainty! There is space for spontaneity and trying new things.
The longer I live, the clearer it becomes that certainty doesn’t actually ensure emotional safety or control.
Many times I’ve been “certain” of something, only to find out that it’s not real or true.
Or I’ve had something all planned out only to have it not work out the way I expected - not AT ALL!
So, if life is more random and unpredictable than is sometimes comfortable, why not accept that instead of resisting?
When I can embrace uncertainty - realizing that I don’t know how things are going to play out, or can’t predict what the future will hold, and so on - I am more relaxed, more fun, more playful and more pleasant to be around.
Some examples of embracing change and uncertainty:
While I will continue to plan financially for my retirement, increasingly I realize that I don’t know when that will happen, what will happen with the economy to impact my savings, or how much money it will really take to live comfortably (especially since I come from a family where many live well into their 90s).
When an event that I was looking forward to is cancelled, instead of being sad, I’ll try to find another way to spend that time that’s equally (or maybe even more) enjoyable.
When I broke my hand recently, I had an opportunity to rest while healing, because I literally could not do other things. I worked on taking care of myself and slowing down, rather than being frustrated or upset.
It’s really hard, but equally rewarding, when we can “let go” and just enjoy life as it comes! It’s worth practicing.
Action Step:
Take a moment to consider the areas of your life that you find yourself wanting to control events (or change people’s behaviors).
What would happen if you just let them be what they are, rather than trying to make them be what you want?
How could your life be different if you just accepted your life events as they occur?
