How to Make Friends With Uncertainty
"Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security."
- John Allen Paulos
As women, we have been told time and time again that we must have a clear plan for our lives. It's as if we are expected to have a blueprint for the perfect career, family, relationship, and personal growth, all neatly laid out for us to follow.
But let's be real, how often does life go according to plan? Not very often.
So, instead of trying to control every aspect of our lives, why not make friends with uncertainty? Think of uncertainty as that quirky friend who always has a surprise in store for you, even if it's not always what you were expecting. Sure, it might be uncomfortable at times, but it can also be exciting and full of opportunities.
Besides, as women, we are used to navigating uncharted territory and dealing with uncertainty. We know that change is necessary for progress, which often means stepping outside our comfort zones and into the unknown. So, why not also apply that same mindset to our personal lives?
Let's embrace the uncertainty of life and all the adventures that come with it. Who knows, we might even surprise ourselves and discover things we never knew we were capable of. So, let's grab uncertainty by the reins and ride it like the badass women we are!
Tips for making friends with uncertainty:
Investigate your beliefs: Our beliefs and values can often be a source of stability in our lives, but they can also hold us back from embracing uncertainty. By opening up to different perspectives, you can become more comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty. This can be as simple as reading books or articles that challenge your beliefs or engaging in conversations with people with different viewpoints. Expanding your perspective can make you more comfortable with uncertainty and better prepare you to handle unexpected situations.
Practice acceptance: Have you ever seen comedy improv? It’s pretty incredible watching the performers/actors respond to the unexpected and make the most of what they have. I’ve never seen “go with the flow” at this extreme! Just like the improv actor can’t control what his team of actors is going to do, we can’t control everything in life. Even if the actor is not crazy about their partner’s character, scene, or acting choices, they don’t want to show this on stage. Instead, they go along with the scene and add their special skills.
Even if life is taking a weird turn, relax, stay present, and go with the flow! This will help you become more comfortable with uncertainty and develop the skills to adapt to unexpected situations.
Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness can help manage anxiety about the future by shifting focus to the present moment, reducing self-judgment, and fostering acceptance and compassion towards oneself. By observing thoughts and emotions without judgment, you can become more aware of the present moment and less caught up in worries about the future, which can create a sense of calm and reduce feelings of anxiety.
Embrace change: Change is a constant in life, and learning to embrace it can help us become more comfortable with uncertainty. Rather than resisting change, try to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
Cultivate resilience: Resilience is the ability to adapt and bounce back from adversity. Resilient people tend to view challenges as opportunities for growth. With a more optimistic outlook, you can bounce back from setbacks more easily. Encouraging and affirming yourself can build confidence and provide a sense of control over your life.
By making friends with uncertainty, we can learn to embrace the unknown and navigate life's challenges with greater ease and resilience. So, take a deep breath and remember that it's okay not to have all the answers. The journey is often more important than the destination, and uncertainty can be a valuable teacher.
