Uncertainty can be daunting. It can be frightening. It can be frustrating. It can be paralyzing. It is also how we learn who it is we are, what it is we want, and what it is we are meant to be doing.
Anxiety is born out of an anticipation regarding something to which we have uncertainty and/or concern. For some this anxiety may be just an uncomfortable nagging and discontent while for others it can be debilitating. The good news is, it is something that with a bit of effort can be shifted into a tool rather than a weapon used against ourselves.
For years I spent my life planning everything according to what I believed I was supposed to be and be doing. I did not question it because it was easy to live within that place of complete certainty. I did not have anxiety as I did my utmost to control everything so that it fit neatly within my plans. This also meant I was not living. I was successful. I had a picture perfect life. But, as we all know pictures do not tell the whole truth.
When we stop trying to control and we no longer act out a scene in the life we are directing, we can actually begin to find our truest selves. When we let go of the constructed plans in our heads, we can begin to dream. It is then however, that we begin to face that thing we fear and know as uncertainty.
We do not have to face uncertainty with fear, however. If we look at her with a lens of mystery and intrigue it lessens the stigma. If we choose to turn the pages of our life like we would the pages of our favorite novel, we might look at uncertainty with anticipation, longing and even excitement.
Sitting quietly in reflection when we feel anxious and asking ourselves a few questions can help to quell the angst of the unknown. What is it that I actually do not have an answer to? Is an answer coming soon? Do I have influence over the outcome of that answer? Should I enact that influence? Why do I think I want this answer now? What changes with me having the answer? What am I learning about myself while I await this answer? Is there space for me to do some growing while I am in this place of unknowing?
When we do this, we are not pushing away or controlling the uncertainty, we are choosing to acknowledge it, embrace it, dive deep into it, and learn something about ourselves through that process. As we do this more often we will find ourselves comfortable in this place of uncertainty. The eclipse of this is when we find we are looking for opportunities that offer uncertainty. That is when the real growth starts. That is when we begin to step into our dreams and watch them take form.
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