One of the few constants in life is change. Whether we embrace or resist it, the unknown is always waiting—a job transition, an unexpected health challenge, or a global event that alters our shared reality. In the days leading up to last month’s Presidential Inauguration, I was on edge. Today, I find it hard to shake the feeling that a part of me has been lost despite my efforts to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. I skipped my January blog for this reason, but I’m excited to be back and share what I’ve learned.

As humans, we crave certainty—it allows us to plan, set goals, and feel secure. But learning to navigate the unknown isn’t just about surviving; it’s about finding ways to thrive amid unpredictability. I anticipate unpredictability will be a recurring theme this year, and I’m actively trying to embrace it. I’m reminding myself to show compassion for my humanity—feeling broken, sad, and unwell in this uncertain chaos.

No matter your feelings about current events, finding balance and a way to move forward can be challenging. I’ve been focusing on tuning out the noise and meeting people where they are on their journeys, reminding myself that anger and arguments won’t lead to meaningful solutions. In these moments, evaluating the weight of uncertainty is essential—and it’s worth remembering that humans have the capacity not just to endure but to thrive, even in uncertain times.

I’m embracing joyful moments and laughter whenever I can. Every day brings something to smile about and things to look forward to. Many of my close friends are doing the same—and it seems to be working, considering my calendar is already filling up with social outings and weekend getaways for the year!

The Emotional Weight of Uncertainty

Facing the unknown can trigger a whirlwind of emotions—anxiety, fear, excitement, or even a sense of paralysis. These reactions are natural, our brain’s way of trying to keep us safe. But when we let them take over, we can easily get stuck in cycles of worry and inaction. Endless Google searches and deep dives only amplified these emotions in me over the past month.

The good news? We can learn to navigate uncertainty and build resilience. Coping with the unknown is a skill—one that can be practiced, strengthened, and refined over time.

Strategies for Embracing Uncertainty

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: Ignoring how the unknown affects you can amplify stress. Instead, take a moment to recognize and name your emotions. This week, I’ve been leaning on a few trusted friends, sharing my feelings and giving them space to do the same. These “vent” sessions help me gain perspective while also offering comfort and validation. I also paused to ask myself a simple yet powerful question: Why do I feel broken? The answer was clear—because I’m scared. Saying it out loud lifted a weight off my shoulders, reminding me that acknowledging my fear is the first step toward addressing it.
2. Focus on What You Can Control: In times of chaos, grounding yourself in areas where you have agency can make all the difference. I’ve felt the urge to express my anger more than once, even toward people I care about, but I’ve had to remind myself of my commitment to meet others where they are on their journey. I can’t control their path—I can only control my own. Shifting my focus to things like maintaining a daily routine, trying new workouts, or setting small, achievable goals has helped me stay centered. These small acts of control can have a surprisingly calming effect.
3. Cultivate a Growth Mindset: Reframing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth can transform your perspective. Ask yourself: What can I learn from this situation? How can this experience help me grow? Viewing challenges as opportunities to adapt and evolve fosters resilience. Recently, I’ve reflected on my nearly 10 years in New York City—a place that, while expansive, can sometimes feel like a bubble. I’ve realized that stepping outside this environment, whether for a short trip or a longer chapter, will expose me to a broader range of viewpoints, offering new opportunities to learn and grow.
4. Stay Present: Worry often stems from projecting worst-case scenarios into the future. Ground yourself in the present through techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or even a short walk outdoors. Remember, the present moment is often much more manageable than the imagined future.
5. Seek Community Support: Sharing your fears and uncertainties with others can lighten the emotional load. Whether it’s through a support group, trusted friends, or professional guidance, connection reminds us we’re not alone.
6. Prepare for Multiple Outcomes: While we can’t predict the future, we can create flexible plans. Think of it as having an umbrella ready on a cloudy day—it may not rain, but you’ll feel more at ease knowing you’re prepared.

Thriving in the Unknown

Uncertainty can be unsettling, but it also holds potential—the potential for creativity, innovation, and deeper self-awareness. When we let go of the need to control every outcome, we make space for possibilities we may never have imagined.

As we brace for the unknown, let’s also remember to be gentle with ourselves. Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving forward despite it. And while we can’t always predict the future, we can build the strength to face it with open hearts and steady minds.