Uncertainty has a funny way of gnawing at you. It seeps into your bones. It never completely breaks them but it weakens your spirit and drains your energy and inspiration. It’s an insidious creature, ready to pounce in your quiet moments, never quite letting go of your soul.
Uncertainty is a part of everyday life. You can’t be certain about everything. You don’t know, for instance, how your latest post will do. You can’t tell whether your kids will have a good day or not at school. You can also never be too sure whether you have done a great job on that report at work.
Uncertainty is everywhere. But it usually departs as quickly as it arrives. Resolution is often not too far away. You can then relax, take a breath and enjoy the moment before the next issue comes along. It’s not something we even think about too much. It’s just life.
However, living in uncertainty for long stretches can be debilitating. No sign of immediate resolution can hijack your life and consume your every waking moment.
I have just emerged from a period of uncertainty about my job. I have been in that place for nearly 3 months. 3 months where I felt unsettled, out of place, unsure, in limbo.
3 months where I constantly questioned, double guessed and played mind games on myself, in a bid to break the deadlock.
You would be right in surmising that it was not fun.
Thankfully, late last week I was finally able to tackle my uncertainty head on. After months of suspense I had all the information I needed to bring balance back to my life and create some certainty again.
The feelings I am experiencing right now are almost intoxicating. There is so much joy in having certainty after so long without it. Everything is brighter and more vibrant and full of wonder and hope.Knowing you are doing the right thing and being confident you have made the correct choice – priceless.
I feel free. I am liberated. I am excited. I am whole again.
Certainty. Never underestimate the power of knowing where you stand and where you are headed x
Do you have new clarity? Have you experienced periods of overwhelming uncertainty? How did if affect you?
Nice one. There is a huge feeling of limbo linked with uncertainty. good for you.
Thanks Lydia. I don’t think I’ve ever felt this free or liberated before – you may all have to watch out!
HI there-
I loved your article on uncertainty and certainty bringing joy. I loved it so much I shared it on my facebook JOY page. I know how joyful it feels to know in your bones that you are in the right place doing what you are meant to be doing. Thank you for the reminder that this experience lines us up for joy….
warmly-
Shannon
Thanks Shannon. I almost forgot what joy felt like until the cloud passed and I was able to breathe again. Keep spreading the joy x
I hate that feeling of uncertainty and being in limbo. We have a bit of it in our lives at the moment …
I hope it passes quickly Janet x
I’m so glad that everything is falling into place for you now and you can move forward. I hate the feeling of uncertainty that starts rearing it’s ugly head at this time of year knowing that Micky Blue Eyes will have his annual colonoscopy in December. Even though I always hope for the best there is still a tiny part of me that won’t relax until he has the all clear again.
On a lighter note, I was quite uncertain about what we were having for dinner, but now I’m certain that I’m ordering chinese take-away! Winning!
Chinese – yummy! I so hope everything is good for your husband this time around. I can understand your concern – fingers crossed you get the all-clear again x
Am going through a very similar process at the moment Kirsty! So glad that you have found it!
So pleased for you too Zita!
There is a lot to be said for certainty. Sometimes you don’t realise just how stressful uncertainty is until it’s gone.
That is so true Amy. I honestly didn’t realise how stressed I really was until the decision was made and the feelings of relief crashed over me. So pleased I can finally move on now.
I was so freaked out about going on maternity leave and losing my income, but it turned out to be the best decision. I’m currently in limbo about whether to resign or wait until next year to make the decision. I know I don’t want to leave my baby, but resigning seems so final (although it would probably stop me having all these weird nightmares about having to take her to work with me and lock her in a drawer so nobody sees that I brought her to work – yea they’ve been pretty crazy).
Oh, I’ve had those weird dreams too. I dreamt last week that I met my workmates at problogger and they all turned out to be bloggers too. That was quite the nightmare!
Its an incredible feeling to have isnt it. I honestly feel so happy when I hear about others discovering for themselves. So glad you have it xx
Thanks Sonia – I’m so relieved to have finally got some certainty as well!
That uncertainty really plays with your mind doesn’t it. So glad your life is a much more joyful place and there is certainty and purpose back in your life xx
Lovely post – we are dealing with a period of uncertainty in our family since my hubby was made redundant in January. I keep telling myself to let go and enjoy it but the uncertainty is beating me down! Oh well guess we will just keep on trudging on!! Nothing lasts forever 🙂
I’ve felt uncertain about my future a lot since becoming a mum. I feel like my life is no longer my own, in the sense that I can’t just think about myself now when making decisions. I still feel very much in transition. To what, I don’t know…
I can feel your sense of relief on this post.
Good luck with the next chapter!!
I’m not great with uncertainty and I’ve had my fair share lately. I prefer to know where I stand, even if it’s worse case kind of stuff because at least then you know one way or another what you are up against.
I’m pleased for you. There is a nice security in knowing where you’re headed and it’s the best place to breed confidence. I’m currently in a uncertain scenario and it’s really playing with my head. I hope it passes as it’s breeding anxiety!
Yep. There is nothing better than the feeling of a decision made. Though, I was hoping that this post would tell me what decision you did make. xS
With me uncertainty = anxiety. I’m so happy for you that this period is over for you and you have such exciting plans 🙂