The 'I Don't Know' Dilemma: Making Friends with Uncertainty

Musings from an Artist's Notebook: Uncertainty

Welcome back to my series, Musings from an Artist's Notebook! In my previous post, I explored the importance of curiosity in our (creative) lives. Today, I'm excited to explore the world of the related topic of uncertainty and how it shows up in our art, lives, and human experience. So, grab a cup of tea, get comfortable, and let's dive in!

(Jungle Princess Mandala — Original — Available)

What I Call the 'I Don't Know' Dilemma

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you feel completely lost and unsure of what to do? You're stuck between a rock and a hard place, and you don't know which way to turn. You're not alone. We've all been there at some point or another.

As an artist, I've learned that uncertainty is a natural part of the creative process. When I'm painting, I often start with a vision in mind — like in the case of the painting.

But as the pencil marks unfold, the art takes on a life of its own and I get to witness the fact that uncertainty is not something to be feared, but something to be welcomed.

Vague, I know, but bear with me here, there are some more concrete tips at the end of the post. 😉

How Embracing Uncertainty Benefits You

Are there benefits of embracing uncertainty? Yes, actually. Here are a few:

• Increased creativity: When we're faced with uncertainty, we're forced to think outside the box and come up with new and innovative solutions.

• Personal growth: Embracing uncertainty can help us develop a growth mindset and become more resilient in the face of challenges.

• Increased confidence: When we're able to navigate uncertainty with confidence, we become more self-assured and better equipped to handle future challenges.

Turning Helplessness into Growth

But what if I told you that the phrase “I don't know what to do” is actually a paradox? It's a phrase that implies a sense of powerlessness and helplessness, but it's also a phrase that can lead to growth and freedom.

When we say, “I don't know what to do,” we're actually acknowledging that we don't have all the answers. And that's okay. In fact, it's more than okay — it's a sign of strength and vulnerability (read my post on human superiority for more on that 😁).

Tips for Embracing Uncertainty

So, how can we start embracing uncertainty and turning the phrase “I don't know what to do” into a statement of empowerment? Here are a few tips:

• Take a deep breath: Calm yourself down and focus on the present moment.

• Practice self-compassion: When you're faced with uncertainty, be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's okay not to have all the answers.

• Take small steps: Break down large problems into smaller, more manageable tasks, and take it one step at a time.

• Seek out new experiences: Try new things and take risks, even if it feels scary or uncomfortable.

• Practice mindfulness: Stay present in the moment and focus on what you can control, rather than worrying about the future or past.

  
  

Now, you can start embracing uncertainty and turning the phrase “I don't know what to do” into a statement of empowerment at any point in time. Remember, uncertainty is not something to be feared, but something that marks a space for growth and freedom.

I'd love to hear from you — how do you approach uncertainty in your own life? Do you see it as a challenge, or an opportunity to grow? Let me know in the comments below. :D

Thank you for reading. Go check out some of my other articles below.