Uncertainty
“I spent
a lot of years trying to outrun or outsmart vulnerability by making
things certain and definite, black and white, good and bad. My
inability to lean into the discomfort of vulnerability limited the
fullness of those important experiences that are wrought with
uncertainty: Love, belonging, trust, joy and creativity to name a
few.”
Brene
Brown
Most of us think that
uncertainty indicates weakness—at least, that is what our culture
would have us believe. Being decisive, authoritative, clear-headed
and, above all, right is seen as strong and in control. I'd like to
rethink that a little bit. Uncertainty is reality, if we're honest about
it. It is a sign of humility, which, believe it or not, is a
strength. People who admit to uncertainty are able to learn because
they will allow themselves to be taught by others, by the world, and
by their own experiences. They can admit to changing their minds
based on what they learn.
Uncertainty is the basis
of creativity. When we insist on having everything planned out and
controlled, we limit what might happen on whim, on accident, or by
chance. We become rote doers of the plan, robots of a sort, when
everything has to go according to schedule, with no deviations. All
the magical happenstance, the chance occurrence, the fateful
serendipity is eliminated. Insisting on the concrete certainty of our
particular worldview is the hallmark of a fear-filled society. It is
based on lack of trust, and the unwillingness to be vulnerable. It
leaves no room for grace.
When you are feeling
uncertain of where you're life is going, what comes next, what
tomorrow holds, instead of slamming down the gavel and proclaiming
certainty, try leaning in to the discomfort of not knowing. Try
seeing your future as an adventure in which you will be
transformed—welcome vulnerability as a sign of growth. Ask for
guidance from your inner Self, from the Universe, and from whatever
higher power you put your faith in. And, then trust that whatever
comes will be a gift. Maybe not the certain future you wanted, but
the uplifting joy of freedom from fear.
In the Spirit,
Jane
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