"The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next." - Ursula K. LeGuin
"Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity." - R.I. Fitzhenry
About 8 years ago my life underwent a major transition both personally and professionally. Everything in my life seemed to be in flux. I felt at a crossroads filled with excitement and huge fear. Where was I going? What might happen next? At times, I felt overwhelmed with so many questions and so much uncertainty.
One day, while at a low point, I flipped on the TV and caught one of the Public Broadcasting Station fundraising drives. Deepak Chopra was the featured presenter. He was introducing his view about uncertainty. To illustrate his point, he recalled a story that involved his son during the Christmas holidays. When asked what he wished for in the New Year, his son replied, "I wish for another year of uncertainty." I felt my stomach churn when I heard that! Deepak Chopra continued to speak. The essence of his message was this:
Imagine seeing uncertainty as a state of possibility. Limitless possibilities. So often we view uncertainty with dread and anticipation of something negative happening to us. Imagine seeing the potential of limitless possibilities that might result in wonder
full things happening. In other words, expecting the best instead of expecting the worst. What if you held the thought, "I wonder what new (and exciting) experiences might be coming my way?" instead of fearing the unknown. What if you approached life as learning experiences rather than problems or obstacles to overcome?
If everything always stayed the same, day in and day out, what would your life be like personally and professionally? Would you be growing as a person? Imagine stepping into new experiences with an explorer's sense of adventure and curiosity! When you open your mind and your heart to possibilities, amazing things can happen!
Your action for the month:
1. Adopt a new attitude about uncertainty. Practice approaching uncertainty with an open mind and heart. Be the explorer every day!
2. Watch what happens when you are open to possibilities. You might find people and opportunities coming to you that you might have missed when you approached uncertainty as a negative.
3. Notice your reaction to this exercise. Learn more about yourself.
