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Uncertainty the Unknown As the Doorway To Possibilities

Written by: Lorraine Cohen

Article Overview: Does uncertainty stir your excitement and positive anticipation or fill you with a sense of dread and foreboding? Learn how to think about uncertainty in a new way.

Uncertainty the Unknown As the Doorway To Possibilities

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

“Uncertainty and mystery are energies of life. Don't let them scare you unduly, for they keep boredom at bay and spark creativity.”- R.I. Fitzhenry

About 10 years ago my life underwent a major transition both personally and professionally. Everything in my life seemed to be in flux. I felt at a crossroads filled with excitement and huge fear. Where was I going? What might happen next? At times, I felt overwhelmed with so many questions and so much uncertainty.

One day, while at a low point, I flipped on the TV and caught one of the Public Broadcasting Station fundraising drives. Deepak Chopra was the featured presenter. He was introducing his view about uncertainty. To illustrate his point, he recalled a story that involved his son during the Christmas holidays. When asked what he wished for in the New Year, his son replied, “I wish for another year of uncertainty.” I felt my stomach churn when I heard that! Deepak Chopra continued to speak. The essence of his message was this:

Open your mind to see uncertainty as a state of possibility. Limitless possibilities. So often we view uncertainty with dread and anticipation of something negative happening to us. Imagine seeing the potential of limitless possibilities that might result in wonderfull things happening.

In other words, expect the best instead of expect the worst. What if you held the thought, “I wonder what new (and exciting) experiences might be coming my way?” and pondered upon the possibilities instead of fearing the unknown. What if you approached life as learning experiences rather than problems or obstacles to overcome?

If everything always stayed the same, day in and day out, what would your life be like personally and professionally?

How would you grow and expand as a person?

What challenges would invite your best to emerge?

How would your passions be expressed in ways that inspired you and others?

What would delight and bring you joy?

Imagine stepping into new experiences with an explorer’s sense of adventure and curiosity! When you open your mind and your heart to possibilities, amazing things can happen!
Your invitation to explore the unknown as an opportunity:

1. Adopt a new attitude about uncertainty. Create opportunities to approach uncertainty with an open mind and heart. Be the explorer every day and unleash your adventurous nature! Be willing to be surprised. Approach this exercise an invitation with light-hearted curiosity. Make it a game.

2. Watch what happens when you are open to possibilities. You might find people and opportunities coming to you that you might have missed when you approached uncertainty as a negative.

3. Notice your reaction to this exercise. Use what you observe and feel to learn more about yourself. Journaling is a great tool to capture your thoughts and feelings!

Copyright © 2007. All Rights Reserved.

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Article Tags: anticipation, boredom, christmas holidays, coming my way, creativity, crossroads, deepak chopra, dread, excitement, fundraising drives, limitless possibilities, new year, obstacles, open your mind, passions, public broadcasting station, stomach, uncertainty, ursula k leguin, what would your life



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