I love that expression. The wisdom of uncertainty. It’s Deepak Chopra’s, and lately I’ve been making an effort to embrace uncertainty and to appreciate its positive aspects.
This is a very short post as I still have work to do – it’s 10.30pm. I toddled off for a 2pm appointment this afternoon, confidently expecting to be home by about 5pm, but things didn’t turn out like that. The work I do is always unpredictable, but I know how long an attendance will take on average and perhaps add a bit on, and expect it to take that long. For all sorts of reasons, today’s job didn’t go like that and at 6pm there was still plenty to be done, and I was going to miss my evening commitment.
What really helped me to avoid getting stressed today was first, remembering “the wisdom of uncertainty”, and secondly, making plans and then handing over the rest. I planned at what time I would make telephone calls to let people know I’d be held up, and just followed through with my plan at the appointed time. Guess what, the ceiling didn’t cave in because I didn’t get all worked up, and I ended up far less tired than I otherwise would have.
I used to think that I wanted certainty and predictability above all else, or at least above a lot of things. Having this job has taught me a lot about flexibility, being willing to change my plans at short notice, and that not turning up for something because I get caught up at work isn’t “letting people down”, it’s just what happens sometimes. Life.
After all, how boring it would be if everything really was predictable, if what we expected to happen always did happen! And just think of all the things that we’d miss out on, the surprises, both good and bad, the unexpected gifts and unplanned adventures. Do you embrace uncertainty? If you’ve learned to let go of the need for predictability, what has helped?
Nice expression!
It reminds me of something I read in Norman Wisdom’s autobiography. (you’ll remember him, what with you being old…)
He had challenging times to say the least, to go with his successes, but he said it was all part of a great big adventure of life.
Cheers,
Gordon
Yes I do remember Norman Wisdom! I love the adventure idea, thanks.
I remember quite clearly when I was driving to a live in entertainment job hundreds of miles away, not knowing quite what I’d find.
Then my car broke down half way there, and I dealt with the stress by thinking of it as ‘part of the adventure’ thanks to Norman!
What a great approach! I know that some of the most stressful times I’ve had in the past have turned into the funniest stories once they’ve become part of the past. We should all try to do this more. Sounds as if I’ll have to read Norman’s book.