Life is filled with all kinds of uncertainties. Even more so when a global pandemic disrupts any kind of normality. Here we are, a few weeks into a new year, and a heightened level of uncertainty looks to be sticking with us for the long run. Today, I want to talk about not only accepting our present situation of uncertainty- but, how you can actually embrace it too.
As humans, we’re naturally inclined to set goals, have aspirations or specific dates we’re working towards- almost always with an end goal in mind. So these dubious times can surely drag us down and become pretty overwhelming. Coronavirus has derailed our routines, plans and inflicted a new level of uncertainty into everything. From our employment, travels, finances and freedom, to our physical and mental health. When I remember I ‘should be‘ in Australia right now and soon to tour Africa, I have to laugh… Or I’ll cry.
The lessons and methods detailed in this post have helped me calm my nerves during my 1st lockdown back in England, and use this time for positivity and personal growth.
BACKSTORY
(Just a little backstory for anyone new to my page, hey!) In early 2020, I departed the UK with the full intention of travelling the world long term. This was a dream I’d been planning and saving towards for 5 years before the pandemic hit. As such, I ended up living in India for 9 months of 2020 and returned to London in December (just in time for the UK’s 3rd national lockdown, yay!).
Lockdown at home is strange now that I’ve lived abroad by the mountains or beach for the majority of this pandemic. The days are grey in London, and with no end in sight to global travel bans- I’m doing my best readjusting to life back here (for now!).
Learning to embrace uncertainty during a pandemic
Bob Goff, a motivational speaker and author once said, “Embrace uncertainty, some of the most beautiful chapters in our lives don’t even have a title yet”. This could not be more true, think about it:
When we fear uncertainty, we quickly fear that our ‘control’ is being taken away from us. A symptom of losing control is allowing the ‘what ifs’ to take over, letting our minds to spin into a tornado of unknowns. It is often in the unknown that we find ourselves in turmoil and held back from living presently.
But, when we embrace the uncertainty of the present, we turn that unknown into an opportunity, we begin to write our next chapters.
Truly, the only control we ever have is of our thoughts and therefore our actions, in the present moment. Physically, we never truly have control of anything. Any situation, anyone. Releasing the need to be in control can help us accept that control is merely an illusion in the physical world, and that uncertainty is the only reality.
If India taught me one thing, it’s to be in harmony with the present moment…
We cannot change what has been, and 2020 has definitely taught us that there’s no telling what the future will bring.
Read all about India: Backpackers in Lockdown: India |A Foodies Guide to South Goa | The Perils and Silver Linings of Starting my RTW Trip During COVID19 | A Two-day Local Guide to Jaipur
So, if your present moment is the only thing you can really and truly affect, why would you waste energy stressing about what’s been or what’s to come? The truth is that all we really have is this time, right now. Regardless of what happens with the world, YOUR TIME is only going to continue to pass. Which absolutely gives you every incentive to utilise this period best you can and embrace the uncertain circumstances we find ourselves in.
8 healthy habits to help you embrace uncertainty in 2021.
So, with the future so uncertain, here’s how I am trying to make my present situation as okay as possible. And how you can too!
1. DIY and Decluttering/ Minimalism:
“I’ve been meaning to do that… I just haven’t had the time!” As a DIY novice, sometimes the simplest task can seem overwhelming when we’re so busy. But during this period, I’ve completed tasks that I’ve been meaning to for years. YouTube has been so helpful upping my handy-woman skills, bleeding radiators, filling holes, cracks and repainting!
Furthermore, after living out of a backpack for the last 9 months, I’ve realised how much I DON’T NEED. I’ve found joy in decluttering, recycling and selling my bits and pieces, and created a warm and fresh looking space that feels like my sanctuary.
2. Connecting with nature and walking often
What better way to get away from the TV, daunting news and social media? I’ve decided to give up my car and committed to walking as much as I can every day. No more going a few stops on the tube. Gyms are closed in England, and India taught me how much I enjoy walking and being with nature. Plus if you’re lucky enough to have a little one like Dave, they’ll love you more for it!
3. Photography & Editing
To compliment being in touch with nature- carry your camera! I personally use my Canon M50 as well as my P20 Pro when out and about. But, I also love editing to bring life into my pictures. Lightroom is a popular option, or my favourite- VSCO!
4. Yoga- stillness & peace of mind
When it does all get a bit wild in my head, I can always rely on yoga for peace of mind and stillness to connect with myself. Yoga with Kassandra is great for her calming nature and narrative allowing time for powerful mantras and deep meditation. She also offers a 30-day yoga course on Youtube throughout January! My personal favourite:
5. Cooking and taking care of your health
During lockdown in India, the food was so limited that I really grew an appreciation for simple and delicious food. As per, I’ve been practising cooking and preparing more simple dishes, alongside cutting out sugar for January! I’m already feeling and looking healthier by changing my mindset and relationship with food. I will be sharing a post on this soon!
If you know you know. But, if you don’t, the above is my Jamaican signature dish of ackee and saltfish. I’m working on a piece to share the recipe!
6. Mindfulness and Gratitude
It may get worse from here, it may get better, but I’m staying grateful for how far we’ve come. This situation was totally unprecedented, yet I witnessed major growth in response to the challenges of 2020. Practicing gratitude can help you calm the noise, and feel confident in what you DO have, what you CAN do right now. In other words- embracing the uncertainty of now.
7. Goals without dates- Do more of what you love
Still, I’m a strong believer in goals and manifesting what we want in life. But, why do we need a date for everything? Taking small steps each day with your goal in mind will result in growth either way. For example, reading a book on property investments without setting a date for when you want to buy a property. Or rather than rapid weight loss for your beach holiday in Feb, how about amending your goal to focus on your health and relationship with food? I often set dates for my goals, but I’m left with negative feelings and disappointment when I don’t meet them.
How about we use each day to do a little bit of what we love working towards our goals- and enjoy the journey?
8. Slow living- this is YOUR time
If you haven’t heard of the slow living movement, its high time you check it out! The Coronavirus period fits perfectly with slow living as a lifestyle choice, as many of us have been given some of our precious time back. Remember all those hours commuting to the office? All those dinners and nights out? All those moments you had to cut short to fit in with the speed of life? As summarised on sloww.co ‘s Slow Living 101- “Slow living is a life philosophy, a state of mind and being, a reflective approach, and methodical process to daily life”.
Given the constraints of normal life have been lifted, this period is really about owning your time. By embracing slow living, you are choosing to embrace your time in a mindful, purposeful and conscious state. Or embracing the uncertainty of these circumstances, to take joy in the little things.
CONCLUSION
Really and truly, I’m experiencing lockdown in the UK for the first time. And having to embrace the uncertainty of any travel for the foreseeable. But a major lesson I learned in lockdown on the other side of the world, is that regardless of what I do, my time will only keep passing. So, if time is all we have, then why not embrace it? We can really utilise this time to discover what you really love, what truly makes you happy, and embrace the uncertainty of right now, regardless of the global situation.
Embracing uncertainty is a useful approach for seeing the coronavirus period through a mindful lens. To me, it is essential that we speak and share the lessons and growth of this period and align with a positive and productive mindset. By doing so, when we look back at this time, we will acknowledge the undeniable positives when we embraced uncertainty during the Coronavirus pandemic.
Personally, I see this period as a wake-up call unlike any we’ve ever seen before.
First, let me say that I am sorry you cannot presently pursue your dream to travel the world, but I am confident that you will be able to complete your mission one day in the future. Secondly, this is a great post. I am all for creating goals with deadlines and targets, because our time is not always promised. However, I can see how embracing our time now is also important, and allowing some goals to linger may actually be of benefit. Thank you for sharing!
Lots of good info – and well written! Thank you for that!
If 2020 taught us anything it’s that our life plans can change in a matter of weeks! This is a great post, especially as things right now are still so uncertain – we do need to embrace it.
I loved reading this, so well written and lots of positive takeaways from dealing with the uncertainty. Love it!
2020 definitely helped me embrace minimalism and a simpler life! Thanks for these tips.