Gratitude for Uncertainty
Learning how to lean into discomfort and embrace uncertainty with Grace + Gratitude.
I've been thinking a lot about the past year. Specifically, the last few months have been really hard for me. And I'm not going to lie: it's been a challenge to stay positive.
But sometimes, it feels easier to share how much you love something more than how much you hate it. How great it is vs. how terrible it is. How beautiful vs. how ugly. But this isn't one of those times. Because even though the past few months have been tough, there are still things I can be grateful for—and many things I've learned about myself along the way that has changed my life for the better.
For me, uncertainty provides a new perspective. When faced with resistance and the unknown, I feel anxious and try to gain control. But rather than fight it, I've learned to embrace the journey, even if it's a bumpy road. By shifting my focus, I can navigate the uncertainty through a new lens - one of grace and gratitude.
“Whatever you hold onto will continue to hold on to you.”
When we try to resist what's happening in the present moment, whether it's change or discomfort, or pain, we're actually creating more of what we don't want in our lives. So, rather than fighting against the challenges we face, what if we embraced them? Instead of trying to push through the hard times and get through them, what if we saw these challenges as opportunities for growth and transformation?
We can learn to navigate difficult situations with grace and gratitude by shifting our focus from resistance to acceptance. In other words, if we can learn to accept what is uncomfortable or painful in our lives, we can move past it with grace and ease.
Grace and ease are very different from comfort. Comfort is something you get when everything around you is just right; it's a soft place to land, a warm blanket on a cold day. But grace and ease are often found in the face of adversity or pain.
Uncertainty is a natural part of life, but it can also be a source of discomfort and stress. We may try to avoid it or fight against it, but the truth is, uncertainty is inevitable, and it's something we all must learn to navigate. One way to do this is by embracing the uncomfortable and learning to get comfortable with it.
Embracing the uncomfortable doesn't mean that we have to like it or that we should seek out discomfort for the sake of it. Instead, it's about learning to accept and embrace whatever comes our way, even if it's difficult or unpleasant. This can be a powerful way to break free from the cycle of pain and discomfort that can come with resistance.
Another way to get comfortable with uncertainty is by cultivating an attitude of gratitude. When we focus on the things that bring us joy and make us feel good, we can create more of those things in our lives. This daily practice can help us to see the good in all things, even in the face of adversity.
An attitude of gratitude can also lead to a greater sense of peace and happiness, which can be especially helpful during times of uncertainty. It's not always easy to shift our focus from the negative to the positive. We may be conditioned to fix and solve problems as quickly as possible, but in doing so, we may miss the lessons that uncertainty is trying to teach us: patience, trust, hope, and faith.
So, the next time you're faced with uncertainty, try to embrace it rather than resist it. Surrender to the discomfort and let go of the need to control every outcome. This can be a powerful opportunity for exploration, discovery, and growth. Remember, whatever you hold onto will continue to hold on to you, so let go and embrace the journey of uncertainty with gratitude.
Community (answer in the comments): In what areas are you being met with resistance? What causes you the most discomfort in times of uncertainty?