Ponderings (February 2009) - “UNCERTAINTY”

According to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary …

Uncertainty is “the quality or state of being uncertain; doubt; something that is uncertain”

Sharing my thoughts …

Uncertainty is part of life; however, lately, it seems that uncertainty has become more prominent. Uncertainty can breed fear, sadness and worry which increases your stress level.   So what can you do in times of increased uncertainty?  First of all, tension is created when you resist the current situation.  So the first step is to acknowledge and accept that things are uncertain.  Second, pay attention to your reaction and to your emotions.  Is your reaction helping or making the situation worse?  What can you do differently?  Third, what productive action you can take to help yourself manage the uncertainty?  Last, remember the Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr, “God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”

Questions to ponder …

  1. How does uncertainty help you?  Hurt you?  
  2. What is the biggest uncertainty you are facing right now?
  3. How are you dealing with the current uncertainty in your life?
  4. How are you handling our nation’s current economic uncertainty?
  5. What can you do to effectively handle times of increasing uncertainty?
  6. How do you handle uncertainty in your career?  Relationships?  Health?
  7. Think of a past uncertainty?  How did you handle it?  How did it turn out?
  8. What are 5 possible positive outcomes from uncertainty you are currently facing?

Related quotes …

Uncertainty is the only certainty there is, and knowing how to live with insecurity is the only security.  [John Allen Paulos]

The only thing that makes life possible is permanent, intolerable uncertainty; not knowing what comes next.  [Ursula K LeGuin]

The quest for certainty blocks the search for meaning. Uncertainty is the very condition to impel man to unfold his powers.  [Erich Fromm]

Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.  [RI Fitzhenry]