It probably won't feel right acknowledging that anything we think is certain is an illusion. But that is the truth of life. There are times when we think we can control an outcome. In some circumstances, we can indeed write a prescription for exactly what we want right up front.
Planning a trip – you can pretty much book it down to the level of detail you want.
Renovating a space – you can decide on everything from the day you make the decision to go for it.
However, doing so leaves no space for surprise or spontaneity. Our vision does not get the chance to mature and get enhanced.
I've met only one person in my life who indicated that he loved uncertainty. That was a surprise. At best, most people I know are somewhere between being able to tolerate it and outright hating it. So, it made me think – is there a way to move from no tolerance to some tolerance, acceptance, or even appreciation of uncertainty?
Accepting the Unknown
Most of us have an acceptance that "we don't know what tomorrow will bring," except when it's an earthquake or other uncommon tragedy. We live life without focusing on all the risks and are able to go ahead with our lives.
However, there are times when the uncertainty comes with signals that something is wrong in an important area of our life, such as our careers or relationships. This uncertainty can be excruciating. It's this kind of uncertainty that tends to destabilize us and consume all sorts of energy, provoking a lot of stress.
A Two-Pronged Approach
Sage wisdom advises that we need a two-pronged approach to deal with uncertainty:
Regulate Our Nervous System: We need to find ways to seek comfort, slow down, and give ourselves a break. We need to recognize that stress will likely slow us down and have compassion for ourselves. This requires that we remain mindful of where we are at and what we are experiencing.
Shift Our Mindset: We need to recognize what is in our control – which includes our self-talk, self-care, and the activities we choose that impact our mood. Can we find a chance to infuse our days with joy? Can we find purpose in this challenge? Can we see how this strengthens who we are into a stronger version of ourselves?
Embracing uncertainty is not easy, but it's a vital part of personal growth and living a fulfilling life. By regulating our nervous system and shifting our mindset, we can learn to navigate the unknown with grace, resilience, and even a sense of adventure.
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