What are we doing today? No plans. What about tomorrow? We will see. When is lunch? If you are hungry we will eat. What time is it? Not sure, it doesn’t matter.
The small, simple uncertainty adding excitement and spontaneity to my Summer days.
The flurry is beginning. The emails and notices from the school and sports clubs filtering into my mail box. A sign the end of the holidays is fast approaching. Life will soon be governed by schedules and routines once more.
I will live with certainty.
I begin to meticulously carve out a path dotted with reminders and calendar events, all sign posts keeping me on track and steering me toward this life of certainty.
The daily certainty as hubby heads off to work and I race around with my lists and schedules while the kids are at school.
My weekly certainty, fitness classes, work hours, shopping days, writing , after school activities……
Annual events already filling my calendar through to the end of this year, more and more certainty.
I will live with certainty.
I will shop at the same shops, certain of what I can buy. I will visit the same gym, certain of the timetable and instructors. I will eat at the same handful of restaurants certain of the menu.
I will hold back on my dreams, afraid I won’t be successful. I will hide away my art, unsure if it is good enough. I will not organise that dinner in case no one can come. I won’t share my great ideas for fear of looking like a fool.
I will live with certainty.
I feel a gentle tug holding on to the uncertainty of Summer. The carefree nature of our days, the lack of routine and scheduling. As I fill in the calendar the pull grows stronger, yanking on my adventurous and creative side, begging me to leave moments of uncertainty.
I lean into this intuitive craving, the desire for the uncertain and begin to examine where this primitive pull will lead me.
An exciting life with heightened joy that only comes from spontaneous moments of fun.
A creative life expecting mistakes and filled with experimentation.
A daring life brimming with adventure as I leap toward unknown destinations and experiences.
A courageous life where risks are taken and my vulnerability is exposed.
A fulfilling life where my wild ideas are explored and acted upon.
The certainty will come naturally to me and yet in the uncertainty lies the key to my most fabulous life.
The big, big question; how do I increase my comfort with uncertainty?
The answer; it will be a daily practice to go where I cannot see the horizon, to where the outcome is unknown and mistakes are to be made. To be kind to myself and embrace all opportunities. To congratulate myself for every step I take into uncertainty and toward my desires.
Do you prefer certainty or uncertainty?
How do you embrace uncertainty in your life?
This is making me yearn for summer, because I do love that more carefree, jump in the car, see where the day takes you kind of mentality. I love it so. And when it’s four degrees with a terrible windchill, it’s just a fact that less excitement is possible. Or a different kind, anyway! A kind I wouldn’t bring my one and four-year-old to experience.
I love uncertainty in the summertime. However, I also really dig certainty. I think I like to balance a time and place for both, if that makes sense.
Tamara a bit of both makes complete sense.
I do love the more spontaneous life in the summer, but I think I do like it both ways. I like being able to get my work done, so knowing what the schedule will be helps me there, but there are times I just like to enjoy and not have a schedule too!
Michelle I am with you. Striking the balance between the certain and the uncertain is an ongoing challenge for me.
Ooohhh what a great question. Hmmm. I like certainty and know I need uncertainty. I’m trying to challenge myself a bit more. Found myself skittering down an icy slope – literally – the other day when I could have taken the salt lined, non slippery steps. Ended up doing a slow, choppy run as my boots, woefully unsuitable for the conditions, would have shot out from underneath if I walked. Cross country skiers and I shared grins as I wound the 4 k down the hill. Arrived back at my hotel feeling very alive.
Kelly you are the most fun ever, love it.
I rely on certainty to keep me sane most of the time. It’s just my personality. On the weekends, after breakfast – I let loose a little and play it by ear.
I am the same and yet brilliant things happen when I venture to the unknown.
Mmmm, I love posts like these. And I love your writing, Karen! Embracing uncertainty is a wonderful thing. It means letting go of control and realizing that so many things are possible in life if we just let go of that hold we like to have on everything. Often, I do embrace uncertainty. That’s why I love travel: because so many things are new, make you think a little bit differently, may challenge your taste buds (and pre-conceived notions!), and as long as you let go, it can be such a life-changing experience.
Thanks Christy what a huge compliment. Travel, I love it the best way to face uncertainty and for me a huge eye opener as I go into stimulation overload. Great suggestion, now where shall I go!!!!
I think both are required to live life productively and successfully. Balance is the key here, it’s something I’m still working on. I think every once in awhile, we need days of uncertainty…where we do not make plans and we just go with the flow. We allow ourselves to just be and live in the moment. On the other hand, we do require structure and certainty in some instances. I think if we use this idea of certainty and structure to our advantage rather than to hold us back, it can work for us.
Tami, I agree a balance of the two is the perfect scenario.