In a world filled with conflict, political tension, and daily unpredictability, many are craving something we can count on. We want to feel steady and grounded, even when everything around us seems to be shifting. Embracing uncertainty isn’t about giving up or letting chaos take over. It’s about finding peace, joy, and even purpose in the midst of change. Right now, with the chaos of the world this is more than a nice idea. It’s a lifeline.
What Does “Embracing Uncertainty” Really Mean?
Embracing uncertainty means releasing the illusion that we can control everything. It means choosing a mindset that allows us to be at peace with the unknown. When we do that, we create space for joy and possibility, even when the future feels unclear.
This mindset helps us shift our focus:
- From fear of the unknown to curiosity about what could be.
- From resistance to change to openness for growth.
- From clinging to specific outcomes to trusting ourselves to navigate whatever comes next.
It’s a powerful way to return to presence and awaken creativity, even when life is unpredictable.
Why This Matters Now
Uncertainty is not new. But the pace and scale of change in the world today can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Between wars, climate events, and constant news alerts, many are living in a state of ongoing stress.
Psychologist and author Maggie Jackson explores this beautifully in her book Uncertain: The Wisdom and Wonder of Being Unsure. She explains that uncertainty is not a weakness. In fact, it can lead to deeper thinking, greater empathy, and more thoughtful decisions. When we allow ourselves to sit with not knowing, we become more flexible, more present, and ultimately, more human.
A Client Story: Finding Stillness in the Storm
One of my clients, Elena, was going through a rough time. She worked in a company that had just announced a series of layoffs. She wasn’t sure if her role would be cut, and the anxiety was keeping her up at night. “I keep thinking I have to control what’s next,” she said. “But nothing is in my control.” Together, we walked through some key shifts that helped her begin to embrace uncertainty and find her way back to calm.
1. Separate what you can control from what you cannot. We made two simple lists: what Elena could influence, and what she couldn’t. Her effort, attitude, and daily choices went in the first column. Company decisions and market shifts went in the second. This helped her feel more grounded.
2. Reframe uncertainty as creative space. Elena began to see this time not as a threat, but as an opening. Inspired by Jackson’s book, she began to approach uncertainty with curiosity instead of dread. “What if this is making space for something better?” she asked.
3. Create small rituals of intention. Every morning, she chose one positive action that aligned with her values. A walk. A journal entry. A note of appreciation to a colleague. These small acts reminded her that she still had choices, even when much felt out of her hands.
4. Use structured reflection. When fear crept in, Elena practiced an exercise called “worst case, best case, most likely.” This simple tool helped her recognize that her fears were often exaggerated. Reality, she discovered, was much more manageable.
Within weeks, Elena’s mindset had shifted. She still didn’t know what the future held, but she was no longer paralyzed by the unknown. “I’m enjoying today again, I am literally stopping to hear the birds sing and smell the roses,” she told me. That’s the quiet joy of embracing uncertainty.
5 Ways to Begin Embracing Uncertainty
If you want to build peace of mind during unpredictable times, here are five practical ways to begin:
1. Name it. Each time anxiety rises, pause and say aloud, “I’m feeling uncertain or I’m feeling anxious right now.” This acknowledgment helps reduce emotional intensity and brings the feeling into conscious awareness. Be with the feeling, whatever it is, and allow it room to breathe. See if, in noticing what you are feeling, it shifts in any way.
2. Ask open questions. Shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What can I learn here?” or “What else might be possible?” These questions invite possibility rather than fear.
3. Anchor your actions in your values. When outcomes are uncertain, fall back on what matters most. Choose one small act each day that reflects your values. This builds self-trust and inner steadiness.
4. Spend time in nature. Nature is a gentle teacher of uncertainty. Clouds shift, leaves fall, birds migrate. We don’t control any of it. Yet life goes on. Walk, observe, breathe. Nature is a wonderful healer.
5. Read Embracing Uncertainty by Susan Jeffers. This classic book offers 42 exercises to help you build confidence and inner peace when the future is unknown. It’s a practical and comforting guide you can turn to anytime.
Why Happiness and Uncertainty Can Coexist
Real happiness doesn’t depend on everything being perfect. In fact, the more we try to force certainty, the more anxious we feel. When we learn to relax into the present moment, even when we don’t know what’s coming, we discover a more lasting kind of joy. Happiness, then, is not the absence of uncertainty. It’s the ability to remain open, peaceful, and purposeful even when life throws curveballs.
The Quiet Joy of the Unknown
When we let go of the need to predict, control, or fix everything, we free ourselves. We make room for wonder. We become more present to the little joys: a smile, a warm meal, a walk in the sun. This is not about giving up. It’s about showing up fully, without needing all the answers first. The joy is quieter, yes, but it is deeper and more sustainable.
Final Thoughts
You do not need to wait for life to settle down before you can feel happy or whole. You can choose to find peace and beauty right now by embracing uncertainty. Start with small shifts. Trust yourself. And remember, you are not alone.
If this topic resonates with you, I recommend Embracing Uncertainty by Susan Jeffers. It’s filled with grounded wisdom and practices that can help you stay centered in uncertain times.
Another wonderful companion is The Art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama, a rich and compassionate guide to finding peace no matter what life brings.
And of course, there is always my own book, Coach Yourself to Success, with 101 simple steps to find your way to your own ideal life.
