Embracing Uncertainty – The art of living in the Unknown

Uncertainty is woven into every aspect of life, an ever-present reality we all must face. Yet, it often stirs unease, fear, and anxiety. Perhaps this is because it disrupts our deep-rooted desire for control, stability, and the comfort of knowing what comes next.

Let’s face it.. !! Uncertainty is a natural and unavoidable part of everyday life. It appears in many forms, from small unpredictabilities - like changes in the weather or a delayed flight - to major life events such as career shifts, financial growth, health challenges, or economic fluctuations. Our brains are wired to seek stability and predictability because they help us feel safe and in control.

When faced with uncertainty, this desire for control clashes with the reality that many outcomes are beyond our influence, which can trigger stress and anxiety. However, uncertainty is not only a source of discomfort - it can also be a catalyst for growth, pushing us to accept, adapt, learn new skills, and explore opportunities we might otherwise miss.

We often view uncertainty and the stress it brings as something to resist or eliminate or as our enemy. It’s common to believe that reaching a new milestone, like starting a job or moving into a new home, will free us from most uncertainties.

Yet, each new chapter in life brings its own unique set of unknowns, reminding us that uncertainty is not a temporary obstacle but a constant part of our journey…!!

If we’re constantly worrying about the next thing that may happen, then we’ll be living under a never-ending existential threat and causing ourselves undue stress that could affect our health, work and relationships. So how can we tolerate the basic idea of uncertainty without making it the enemy and learn to live with its existence?

People have varying levels of comfort when it comes to life's uncertainties. While some individuals thrive on taking chances and embracing an unpredictable lifestyle, others feel deeply troubled by life's unexpected turns. However, everyone has a breaking point. If you're feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty and constant worry, remember that you're not alone - countless others are navigating these same challenges...!!

No matter how hopeless or powerless you may feel, there are always steps you can take to better navigate situations beyond your control. By actively addressing your anxiety and adopting strategies to cope with uncertainty, you can empower yourself to face the unknown with greater confidence and resilience.

Journalist Maggie Jackson argues in her new book - Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure - there are many benefits to allowing ourselves to be unsure about what’s happening or what will happen. Embracing uncertainty is tied to easier learning, better decision making, responding well in a crisis, improved mental health, and warmer social relationships even during difficult social interactions, like crossing political divides. When we can let go of sureness, look beyond what we already know, stay curious, and listen to dissent, we can often come up with better solutions to the problems we encounter.

It is all about acceptance. Heard the phrase “go with the flow” right? It’s a mantra often thrown around casually, but it carries profound wisdom.  Here are some tips from my own experiences :

• Actively deal with your emotions - When circumstances are out of your control, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by fear and negative emotions. But denying or suppressing your emotions will only increase stress and anxiety and make you more vulnerable to depression or burnout. When you  feel that you can do nothing else about a situation, you can still actively face up to your emotions - even the most negative and fearful ones. Allowing yourself to experience uncertainty in this way can help you reduce stress, better come to terms with your circumstances, and find a sense of peace as you deal with challenges.

• Challenge your need for certainty - Though uncertainty and change are inevitable parts of life, we often develop habits in an attempt to ease the discomfort they cause. Beyond imagining every possible outcome, these coping behaviours can shape how we respond to the unknown and manage the emotions that come with it.  

Examples:

• Seeking reassurances from others: You repeatedly ask friends or loved ones if you’re making the right decision, endlessly research information online

• Micromanage people: You refuse to delegate tasks to others, either at work or home. You may even try to force people around you to change

• Procrastinate: By not making decisions, you hope to avoid the uncertainty that inevitably follows. You’ll find ways to delay or postpone acting or even avoid certain situations all together

• Repeatedly check things: You call or text your family, friends again and again to make sure they’re safe. You check and re-check emails, texts, or forms before sending, double-check lists to ensure no repercussions on the predictability of the future.

The first and most important step is to transform our perspective. Instead of treating uncertainty as a threat looming over us, we can choose to see it as an opening to new possibilities. Every unexpected twist, surprise, or sudden change carries the potential for growth and discovery. These moments are invitations to uncover our resilience, spark our creativity, and strengthen our adaptability.

“Don’t believe in everything you think or feel”. Emotions carry valuable information and deserves acknowledgement, but the key is how we interpret these feelings   will decide the way forward.

Acceptance is the key.. We need to understand that acceptance does not mean surrender or passivity.. rather it  is a path of “Making it Happen” and “Letting it Happen”. Acceptance is a journey filled with patience and compassion towards oneself.

It’s all about acknowledging our uncertainties and reminding ourselves - It is okay not to have all answers... It is okay to feel lost.. It is okay to be human..!!!

Life is about understanding that uncertainty is not an obstacle to be feared, but a companion on our journey.

So, Pause for a moment, gather your strength and embrace the rhythm of uncertainty with confidence and openness.