We live in uncertain times. Everyone that I know has commented about how life seems upsIde

down- not right- too complicated.

I ask myself “hasn’t life always been uncertain?” Yes and No.

Life feels different- more uncertain, less stable, less predictable.

But predictability can lead to boredom – routine – a deadening of awareness.

I wonder is uncertainty good for us? Do small doses of uncertainty sharpen our senses

keep us wake?

I check out the synonyms for uncertainty : ambiguity, anxiety, uneasiness, confusion,

unpredictability, precariousness, hesitancy, distrust, etc.

Yep, I have felt one or more of these feelings at least twice a day.

Is that more than usual for me?

Yes!

The times we are living are fraught with good reasons to feel anxious.

Covid-19,

Lock Downs,

Political upheaval,

War in Ukraine,

Inflation,

Vaccines,

Masks ,

Fake news

What is real?

And the list goes on and on.

All these external uncertainties get all mixed up with our private personal issues –

What a MESS!

How do we manage ourselves during such stressful times?

Own the feelings.

Focus on what you can control.

Stay connected with what gives your life meaning .

Live your positive values.

Remember that you are not alone.

Historically, there have been eons of uncertain times.

I am reminded of the opening lines to Charles Dickens masterpiece,  A Tale Of Two Cities:

“ It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of

  foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of

  Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,

  we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, 

  we were all going direct the other way…”

Wiser words could not be said –

Take heart-  with courage, determination, and just plain grit we will weather the challenges of

these uncertain times.

Irene Javors, April 1, 2022