Dealing With Uncertainty
It is no secret that we are living in uncertain times. Both individually and collectively, uncertainty is something we are all experiencing to varying degrees. Being as though things have been like that for so long, sometimes it is a wonder when things will ever get better, which just adds another layer to the uncertainty.
However, even in uncertain times, there is an underlying peace and tranquility to be found. The less dependent you are on external circumstances to look or be a certain way, the more access you have to that peace.
Live in The Moment
Regardless of whatever is going on in the world or in your inner world, the fact is that you can only ever do what you’re currently doing in the present. This is the case whether in times of great prosperity, or of great disaster. With this realization comes a little bit of relief in knowing that whatever your life situation is on a bigger level doesn’t really matter in the Now.
It is said that hard times can be some of the best times. With different things going on in the world around you, it may motivate you to lock in and focus on the things that are most important. For example, the COVID pandemic motivated a lot of people to take their health more seriously. The economic recession of 2008-2009 motivated a lot of people to start making wiser moves financially.
Be Grateful For What You Have
We live in a world that is obsessed with “more”. Whether it’s better and faster technology, newer and nicer cars, greater stock market returns, or larger and more expensive homes, the common theme of more tends to be the same. The benefit of uncertain times is that they may lead you to step out of this rat race and start appreciating what you already have.
The truth is that in times like these, just to be getting by, living healthily, and having a roof over your head is a tremendous blessing. Regardless of whether your home is the most luxurious, your car is the most sleek, or your bank account is the most over-flowing, there is a good chance that the things you have are things to be appreciated.
Focus on What Actions You Can Take
There are certain things that you can influence, and other things that you can’t. Things like the way you spend your time on a daily basis, the things you think about, and the way you react to certain situations are the sorts of things that are all within your control. Things that go on politically, economically, or socially are mostly out of your control, and may as well be largely ignored.
When you don’t have meaningful and purposeful things to focus on throughout the day, your mind tends to suck up whatever it can to fill in the void. In most cases, the things that it fills in with tend to be negative. My Dad likes to remind me of the acronym “ANTS”, which stands for “Automatic Negative Thoughts”. What this means is that when the mind doesn’t have positive things to concentrate on, it will automatically default toward negativity.
The reality is that even within the most uncertain times, there is a great deal of positivity to the situation. Opportunities for personal growth, opportunities for improvements in personal health and wellbeing, and so on. When you put your focus into these areas, things usually have a way of working out better than you could have expected. When you take your emphasis off of trying to force things, you allow things to flow naturally and work out on their own. In those instances, you may find yourself surprised that things will come together far better than you could have personally orchestrated or designed.
Comfortable Even in Times of Uncertainty
When you approach things with the right mindset, even in uncertain times you will maintain a level of comfort and confidence. You will have faith that things will work out and be okay. You will focus on what positive actions you can take, and you will find enjoyment along the way.
As someone that graduated from college right in the middle of the pandemic, uncertainty has been a part of my life for quite a while now. However, as pointed out by one of the counselors I spoke with just prior to graduating, this just adds a level of excitement in life. I remember him pointing out that there are so many options and routes I could take, and that it is going to be interesting and exciting for me see how things play out.
Regardless of whatever is going on in the outer world, the possibility for peace, joy, and enjoyment remains the same. Even in uncertain times, this remains the case.
