“The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably deal with.” Tony Robbins’ words echo a profound truth that Jennifer Chrisman came to understand through her own journey of career and life transitions. Chrisman found herself standing at a crossroads, torn between her love for her work as a therapist and her desire to spend more time with her young children. This internal conflict plunged her into a sea of uncertainty, a place far removed from the laser – focused, controlled life she had once led.
For most of her life, Chrisman had been a perfectionist and control freak, always certain of her next step. But now, faced with questions about whether to work or stay home, how to grow her practice, and what the future held, she found herself in uncharted territory. Her initial response was to obsess over finding answers, to try and regain that sense of control. However, she soon realized that her desperate need to “know” was actually a barrier, preventing her from seeing the truth.
Uncertainty makes us feel vulnerable, and as a result, we often try to escape it. We convince ourselves that we can predict the future, and we spin our minds in circles, rehashing the same scenarios over and over, hoping to find a resolution. But this is a futile pursuit. Life presents us with a paradox: it is through embracing uncertainty that we truly thrive.
Think about the times when we’ve stayed in unfulfilling jobs or unhealthy relationships. It wasn’t because we were happy there, but because the fear of the unknown, the uncertainty of leaving, seemed scarier than the certainty of our unhappy situation. Similarly, many of us never pursue our true passions because of the perceived uncertainty that comes with following an unconventional path.
Yet, it is in these uncomfortable periods of uncertainty that some of life’s most extraordinary adventures begin. Stepping into the unknown is scary precisely because there are no guarantees. But it is also where we are pushed beyond our comfort zones and forced to grow.
Making peace with uncertainty requires courage, faith, and trust. It means believing that no matter what happens, we will find a way through. Contrary to what we might think, not knowing what the future holds is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be liberating. The ability to let go of the need to control every aspect of our lives is essential for living a happy, joyous, and free existence.
Many spiritual practices encourage us to recognize that there is a power greater than ourselves at work in the world. When we accept this, it becomes easier to loosen our grip on the reins of control. Chrisman discovered that by acknowledging that there were forces beyond her control shaping her life, she could let go more easily in various situations.
When we fixate on “solving” problems and trying to eliminate uncertainty, we limit our perspective. We become so focused on finding a specific solution that we fail to see the multitude of possibilities around us. We can’t embrace a new future if we’re still clinging tightly to the past or to our preconceived notions of how things should be.
Chrisman also realized that when she was in a state of anxiety, trying to figure everything out on her own, her intuition was drowned out by the noise in her head. But when she accepted the uncertainty and let go of the need to know, that internal noise subsided. In the quiet that followed, she was able to connect with her intuition, gaining clearer direction from within her heart.
Meditation became a powerful tool for Chrisman. By setting aside time each day to quiet her mind and still her body, she found peace in the midst of uncertainty. She learned to set mindful intentions, staying present and open to new possibilities.
In the end, Chrisman discovered that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Listening to her heart taught her that she could be happy and content, even in the face of uncertainty. Embracing the unknown is not about giving up control; it’s about recognizing that there is beauty and growth in the journey, even when the destination is unclear.
