Embracing Uncertainty
Facing uncertainty can be very uncomfortable. It can be downright scary. Often we spend our days comfortably curled up in predictability, treading our well-worn familiar path – and then life throws us a challenge.
The reality is that life, circumstances, events can change in a heartbeat.
We know that – but if we are not prepared to embrace those changes, if we are not resilient enough to handle a downturn in our fortunes, or a sharp turn in our otherwise comfortable road ahead, we can find it very tough-going.
And it’s not just upsetting experiences that can throw us into turmoil. What about if we meet someone who knocks us off our feet, or we are thrown a golden opportunity that is too good to pass up? Both of those circumstances may mean stepping into the great abyss called “the unknown”. Still scary – even if it is a ‘good scary’.
The reality is that uncertainty is the way forward. We just need to be prepared for when the unpredictable happens – it’s not a case of “if”, it’s “when”.
* Building resilience means learning to cope and adapt – one of the best mechanisms we can engage is the “worst case scenario” technique. This doesn’t mean expecting the worst, but this is a way of assuring ourselves that we can handle any difficulties by considering the worst thing that can happen and seeing ourselves handling it effectively. This is a great defence tool, and is very helpful for people who suffer from anxiety.
* Reduce stress regularly – there are those great relaxation techniques we’ve learned – now is the time to apply them so we are prepared. It is often that underlying stress in our lives that we are not really aware of. Keep it in check now and we will handle big stresses far better when they happen.
* Anticipation rather than Expectation – often our high expectations aren’t met and we feel let down. Or we can expect the worst and then we are thinking about what we don’t want. Neither of these forms of expectation works very well. When we anticipate, we plan. Better to focus on the things we want – the desirable outcomes, the good end results, anticipating things the way we want them to be.
* Concentrate on the things over which we have control – how often do we overlook the little things, the everyday things that we can control, and spend far too much time worrying, talking about and fretting over the big things that are totally out of our control? We are funny creatures, we human beings. Observe – see the things that you can do or change or make better – work on those and let the rest go.
* Get rid of the “what ifs” – this is where fear creeps in when we are faced with uncertainty. It is the negative feelings that we get caught up in. They can run riot through our minds, setting us up with feelings of ‘doom and gloom’. It’s called “worry” – having a picture of something in your mind that hasn’t happened – and most of the time the thing we worry about never happens. It’s also called “wasted energy”.
* Stay in the present – this is practising Mindfulness. Obsessing about tomorrow is pointless. Live in the moment, appreciate and enjoy “now”. Right now we are comfortable, safe, well-fed with a roof over our heads – spend the time we have today doing the things we enjoy and being with the people we love. That’s living.
Tomorrow there will be another sunrise and another wonderful day to enjoy. There will be uncertainty and there will be challenges to face.
If we feel we are living a predictable life, with a comfortable road ahead, we may well have stepped into the wrong century and onto the wrong planet! Life is an adventure, may we all enjoy the endless possibilities it has to offer.
Have a wonderful month.
Love and laughter,
