Living with the uncertainties

For me, more than anything else, 2020 has reminded me that life is uncertain, that we can plan, and predict, and anticipate as much as we want, only to have the universe laugh in our faces. I imagine many people have had the same realization. 

I am a planner. Always have been. Of course, there have been major shifts along the way, and unanticipated challenges and choices. But for the most part? I like knowing what’s going to happen, in work, in life, and (I’ll even go out on a limb here) in the world. 

Yet so much of life is unpredictable, filled with the unexpected. Personally, professionally, nationally, globally. I’ve seen so many bloggers write about how they could have never anticipated a year ago that we’d be in the situation(s) we’re in right now. 

Perhaps a year of such upheaval and change serves to remind us that these little earthquakes occur with startling regularity in all of our lives. That we should never, really, take anything for granted. We have what we have right now – that is all we are guaranteed. Anything can – and will  – change in a moment. It’s reminded me, personally, that I should never pass up the opportunity to hug someone… to tell people I love them… to connect when we can. Not to get too morbid here, but the phone call or Zoom hang out that I decline today may be my last opportunity to be with someone, albeit virtually.  

Will this make me into someone who never plans? Who follows their whims of the moment? I doubt it. It has, however, reminded me of the importance of the moment, of never taking things for granted, of always hugging, and saying I love you. I hope you have taken those opportunities, too. 

“We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be  wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and  living our lives.” —Maya Angelou

4 thoughts on “Living with the uncertainties

  1. So true. I am a planner as well so this year has certainly shaken that up for me. There have been times I have stepped out of my comfort zone with traveling and not having a plan and it was exciting and nervewrecking at the same time. This year has certainly tested a lot of us. For now, I'm not planning ahead much and just trying my best to take things day by day. I know when things are not so uncertain in the future I will be back to planning again. But this time is teaching me more about living in the present for sure.

  2. I am a planner at heart, too, but this year really has been a good reminder that life is uncertain in every aspect. It's hard to accept sometimes, but also a valuable lesson.

  3. I love your point about just trying to do your best to take it day by day. I never know which days will be be awesome and which will be, well, not-awesome. But I'm learning – finally – to take it as it comes. At least most of the time. 🙂 It will be so interesting to look back in a year and reflect a bit more on this time.

  4. I agree that the uncertainty is one of the most difficult things to accept. Plans are made, then canceled. Stores and other businesses are open, then closed… Adapting in the moment is hard, but I think it's something we've all learned to do this year.

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