Falling in love with uncertainty

What reaction does the prospect of uncertainty produce inside you?  It might feel uncomfortable but it’s a powerful force that can take you amazing places if you let it.

Most of the time it is associated with badness: stress, danger, failure.  If you are trying to run a stable business or your back is against the wall, then uncertainty can be your worst nightmare.

But is it really for the best to be conditioned to hate and avoid it, and crave control?

Some of the most precious and formative periods of my life have been characterised by the feelings that uncertainty brings (think sweaty palms, churning stomach, racing mind – it could be due to a special person, an exciting idea, an important event).  Some of my dullest have been when they were absent.

There is a positive side of uncertainty, and it’s when it is a product of action and growth.

And it seems to attract unbidden assistance.  I’m learning that if I’m putting energy into something and don’t have all the answers, people sometimes want to help and get involved, since they sense they can contribute.  They suffuse it with their own positive energy, creating a virtuous cycle.

And there’s no need for control – it takes on a life of its own and goes further than could ever have been planned, because it draws from a deeper source.

It’s early days, but these unexpected sources of assistance have perhaps been my biggest and most pleasant surprise so far.  I like surprises, and they go hand in hand with uncertainty.

Would friendly assistance have appeared if I had instead communicated that everything was figured out?

Uncertainty is a beautiful creature and I think I am falling in love.