“The quality of your life is in direct proportion to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably deal with.” Tony Robbins
This weekend I went to the opera – Doubt which focuses on that which we really are certain of … if anything. It made me think about some things in my own life and whether I really am as certain as I thought I was.
So many of us are try not to let go of things and people – even when we’re not sure that’s where we’re supposed to be. It is usually at these times of doubt, those awkward, in-between places where we feel uncertain and unsure that we begin to question our purpose and direction. I used to think that this meant my life was “bad” because I was uncertain, but I’ve come to realize that I have learned my most valuable lessons in times of uncertainty.
I’ve had a few pivotal moments thus far in my yearof50. I have tried to think of these moments like that of a trapeze artist who has to let go of one bar and leaves an ever obvious gap before she grabs the next bar. I am in that gap right now and as breathtaking as that moment is … I can see that this gap requires me to look at myself and ask some tough questions:
1. Is my doubt, which prevents me from making a decision, just a way to avoid (fear) the quietness of nothing? For most of my life, when something is ripe and right in front of me, I have no trouble making a decision. I have a sense of knowing and I act quickly and decisively. It’s at these moments of uncertainty and doubt that I must stop, listen and look for direction rather than create it (see #2).
2. Am I trying to force something that just won’t work? Maybe if I let go, I will find that what I thought I wanted and needed, really was not what I wanted and needed!
3. During these times of doubt, how can I stop my internal focus? I realized this weekend that being with and helping others, takes my mind off myself and allows me to give my energy to other people. In turn, I meet interesting people who return my energy ten fold!
So, I’m left with this: living with uncertainty and doubt is ok – in fact, I think it’s good. At times of uncertainty we should quietly pay attention to the signs for our next direction – not force it because of fear.
There really is only one truth in life, right? It’s death. And with that certainty, we must fully live every day and every moment and embrace (and enjoy!) the uncertainty and doubt that comes with every day life.
Have a beautiful start to your week!
theyearof50 