Why Uncertainty Can Be A Good Thing

*This is a re-post written by guest author (and my good friend) my Barb Edie with a message I felt was especially relevant at this time. If you didn’t catch it the first time around in November 2021, please enjoy it now. ~ David 

In this time of a global pandemic that no one saw coming, to say we’re living in a time of uncertainty is a huge understatement.

However, I believe uncertainty can be its own kind of awakening—a mysterious and life-renewing place—on a global and personal level.

Here’s an example: When I climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro (at age 55!) I really didn’t know how or if I would ascend the 19,341 feet to the summit and still be able to breathe.

Less than half of the people who attempt the summit reach it, due to altitude sickness. And no one knows, even elite athletes, if they’ll get altitude sickness (and how badly) until they’re on the mountain.

Yet the uncertainty of the outcome did not sway me. It fuelled me. Thrilled me. And allowed me to be surprised by the beauty and unexpected twists and turns of what each day would bring.

So when I found myself standing on “the roof or Africa” as the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is known, in a sweet state of exhaustion and exhilaration, I had an epiphany… I love uncertainty!

“Uncertainty” is actually one of my superpowers. Really. That even came out in an online survey I did… for a rare few, uncertainty is a motivator to explore new things with curiosity, wonder, and wildly unexpected outcomes.

The decision, and risk, of climbing Kilimanjaro, allowed me to practice embracing the unknown rather than fearing it, while enjoying every step, moment, and small miracle along the way. Life is an adventure not a package tour. It has always, and forever will be, uncertain… with many detours, turns, and plot twists that you can’t foresee.

The magic is in the mystery. The unknown is the space from which all great journeys, inventions, art, technology, and even great loves are created. One of the best ways to navigate uncertainty—and use it as a superpower–is by tuning into your intuition, taking action on that inner guidance, and allowing the unexpected to happen.
Whenever I do this… Boom! The Universe and higher powers conspire to create the miraculous.

The year before I climbed Kilimanjaro, Africa was not even on my radar. But in a series of synchronicities and not-so-random events I followed my heart and intuition to Swaziland (a country I’d barely heard of and had to look up on a map) to take part in a transformational writing and personal development training. What happened from there changed the whole trajectory of my life.

That life-changing choice to leap into the unknown and show up in Swaziland created a future that went on to include writing a best-selling book called Creating the Impossible; climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money for kids in a children’s home in Kenya; four months volunteering and teaching children in Kenya; an amazing “soul safari” in South Africa; and the opportunity to witness one of the world’s natural wonders, the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya’s Masai Mara.

All of those adventures and deep connections inspired a later trip to East Africa (Ethiopia, Uganda, and Rwanda), as well as an “unplanned” magical ten days in Namibia. Five epic African journeys and eight countries later, embracing uncertainty led to experiences beyond what I could ever have imagined, let alone orchestrated.

So, over to you… How can YOU use uncertainty to create a future you really want?

Eckhart Tolle says: “If uncertainty is unacceptable to you, it turns into fear. If it is perfectly acceptable, it turns into increased aliveness, alertness, and creativity.” Exactly.

How might you accept, or even embrace, uncertainty in your life to invite in some aliveness, high-level creativity, a solution to a problem or the answer to a dream? Everything you do today (consciously or unconsciously) is lining up what will manifest a year, three years, or a decade from now.

So how can you navigate uncertainty with power? I find when I become curious to the adventure (e.g., changing jobs, moving to a new city or country, climbing a mountain, going on a date!) I feel braver, more excited, and open to possibility without needing to know how everything will unfold.

I also know that I can consciously decide how I want to feel and what I’d like to experience.

So here’s my invitation to you, oh brave soul: Choose ONE thing or area in your life (business or relationships) where you could replace fear with curiosity and take action without needing to know how it will all roll out.

Look at uncertainty from a different point of view, through your heart rather than your mind. Let your heart lead, and follow that inner knowing to let uncertainty shift from fearful to acceptable, even joyful.

Fear of uncertainty is often the belief that you don’t have the ability, wisdom, or resources to create what you really want. None of this is true, from the perspective of your higher self, though your human self may feel that way.

In the words of Paulo Coelho: “You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.”

Enjoy your adventure.

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Author Bio: Barbara Edie

Barbara Edie is an intuitive consultant, empowerment coach, and best-selling author of Creating the Impossible: What it takes to bring your vision to life. She works with heart-centred entrepreneurs, professional women and youth, to tune into their intuitive guidance to navigate life with clarity, confidence, and soul-inspired actions. 

Barb’s revolutionary program “Empowered Teens” teaches young people to access their heart’s intelligence and “inner GPS”, to lead life with greater self-awareness, courage and resilience. Learn more about Barb at her website.