Navigating Uncertainty
One foot in front of the other into the unknown
Uncertainty has been on my mind a lot lately. We're in a transition phase at work, awaiting the final plans related to some restructuring at the university. There's a lot of speculation, "what-ifs," and attempts to predict various future scenarios with very few known facts.
While this is a specific situation, when I consider uncertainty more broadly, it seems like the feeling is universal. There are always beginnings, endings, and the constant shifting and changing of everything. All of which feels unsettling, awkward, and tinged with anxiety.
Sure, it's more noticeable at some times than others, but it's always there because, at its core, uncertainty is a by-product of change. Which we all know by now is the only constant in life (thanks, every inspirational quote poster/mug/calendar ever).
If it's certain that uncertainty isn't going anywhere, then how might we avoid being overwhelmed by the unknown?
Here are a few ideas (imagine them written on sticky notes and stuck to the whiteboard on which we are brainstorming moving forward despite uncertainty):
Ask yourself if there is a positive outcome possible? I'm not talking about brightsiding here. Sometimes there's no good to come out of a situation, and it's wise to be prepared for that. This is precisely why we have a bias toward negativity— it's our stress response wanting us to be prepared and ready for the worst-case scenario. It's a protection mechanism, but sometimes it can also stop us from considering that perhaps something could go our way. It's always worth exploring "what if this went well" to see if maybe there could be a glimmer of excitement within the unknown.
Interrupt the spiral. It's so easy to slip into assuming the worst-case scenarios. The technique of looking for possible positive outcomes can help interrupt this, but so can just stepping back and acknowledging what the actual facts we have are. Which can often be summed up as: 1) something is changing 2) it will affect me in some unknown way.
Look for the lessons. What is the idea of the change bringing up for you? Nudging you towards something new. Maybe it's reminding you of the impermanence of things? It's easy to get comfortable in our routines and current paths. Perhaps uncertainty can nudge us back to things we have back-burnered exploring more in the past. What can you learn about yourself while sitting with uncertainty?
Go back to your toolbox. What's working to help you support your well-being in the face of uncertainty? Do you need more of that? Is it time to try something different or add a new tool? Keep that toolbox close by and make using it a priority. One thing you can control in the swirl of uncontrollable things is what you do to take the very best care of yourself possible.
Obviously, none of these suggestions are as easy in practice as they are to brainstorm about. None of them will change the uncertainty one bit. But perhaps they'll help us find our footing to keep taking the next step forward despite the swirl of the unknown.
Community Conversations
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about how we might intentionally be more present.
shared her thought that "Being present is so essential to healthy living, yet, we so often forget to do it." Which feels very relatable. shared that "setting a timer (like for an hour), establishing an intention to deeply focus for that period - helps [her] spot the distractions quicker and set them aside as they inevitably arise."And I was so appreciative of
for the shoutout of the post in her latest London Dispatch (in which she also reveals a beautiful new book cover)!Mindful Moment
Love this Five Senses Meditation from
at :Squirrel of the Week
What sticky notes would you add to our brainstorming session? How do you navigate uncertainty?
I definitely have a tendency to go down negative spirals. Your advice to step back and acknowledge what the actual facts are is really helpful. Going to use that next time I start to go negative. Thanks Mary Chris :)
As I was reading this paragraph in your post:
Sure, it's more noticeable at some times than others, but it's always there because, at its core, uncertainty is a by-product of change. Which we all know by now is the only constant in life (thanks, every inspirational quote poster/mug/calendar ever).
… it occurred to me today’s the first full day of Spring. The changing of the seasons always reminds me that change is inevitable. And yet, we can mark the moment the new seasons arrive (technically, “Spring” began in the Eastern timezone of the United States at 11:05 pm on March 19). And so, I wonder… if we can mark the moment of (this particular) change, perhaps that can help us integrate the concept OF change in our lives. What can we learn and begin to practice about “change,” as we mark the passage and entry of each new season? What do the flowers teach us? The winds? And, as a nod to the photo you shared, what do the squirrels and other wild life teach us?
BTW, thank you for that shout out! I wear my smile today because of you. xxoo