elegant aspirations

There’s a growing sense of foreboding that resonates throughout the world these days. Many are grappling with grief, depression, and disorientation triggered by illness, loss, isolation, financial uncertainty, complicated work conditions, and additional family commitments. It affects us all, and there seems to be no end in sight.

Uncertainty can be both fascinating and profoundly uncomfortable. Our lives have always been, and will continue to be, uncertain. We have no way of knowing what the future holds, either personally or globally. As the first generations to spend our entire lives living under the threat of nuclear annihilation, one might think we would have a clear understanding of this concept. Yet, we often prefer not to dwell on it when life feels calm.

In reality, we know that our certainties can vanish in an instant: a devastating diagnosis, discovering infidelity, losing a job, or facing a global pandemic. The list is alarming and extensive.

As a result, we do everything we can to alleviate uncertainty. We create life plans, financial plans, business plans, and end-of-life plans. We rely on agendas, goals, weather alerts, and economic projections. Some even build bunkers, all in a bid to protect ourselves from uncertainty.

In truth, these efforts are mere feel-good strategies designed to help us sleep better at night, with little basis in reality. As we orbit our tiny planet in the vastness of the universe, the pandemic has shown us that our plans are often illusory. Our relationship with uncertainty needs to be reassessed if we are to navigate these challenging times effectively.

So, how can we live with constant uncertainty without feeling like we’re losing our minds? Imagine finding yourself in a strange corridor with the door locked behind you. Your first instinct might be to try to go back; when that doesn’t work, you might look for another way out. In fact, you have three choices: attempt to pick the unbreakable lock, waste precious time and energy searching for an elusive escape, or make the corridor as comfortable and productive as possible.

Redefining our relationship with uncertainty involves accepting our time spent in the corridor. Things will be what they are, regardless of our desires. We will never know for certain what will happen next.

The most challenging aspect of acceptance is that this truth can provoke a reaction in our agitated and resistant minds, which try to convince us that we are doomed if we don’t continue to plan and worry.

Paradoxically, however, by letting go of the need to know, we can relieve unwanted stress. With the extra energy this creates, we can focus on becoming the best versions of ourselves, taking one carefully placed step at a time, no matter what happens. This will significantly enhance the quality of our daily lives and the lives of those around us, particularly when we remind ourselves of another powerful truth: nothing ever stays the same, and this too shall pass.

Be kind and thoughtful, and make allowances for others' behaviors. They may be fearful and, quite possibly, angry about their current circumstances. Reach out to offer help and support. Don’t take things personally—this isn’t about you. Be flexible; remember, rigid things break, so it's important to go with the flow.