How to Embrace Uncertainty
Recently, my life has been in flux with lots of uncertainty.
I gave my 30 days notice at the ranch where I live and work and I don’t know where I’m moving yet. It’s the right decision, to move on. My intuition had been telling me to do it for months yet I was paralyzed in not knowing my next steps. Tired of feeling scared of the unknown and sick to my stomach by not acting on my intuition, I woke up on Friday, pushed past my fear, called the landlord, and spoke my truth.
The moment I hung up, a huge weight lifted…a clear sign that I’m moving in the right direction, although I don’t know where I’m moving.
Before I gave notice, the one requirement I gave myself was to secure a temporary place for me and my animals, which I did. It’s a last resort but gave me the cojones to give my notice and know that in the worst case scenario, Detail, Playboy, Namo, Charley and I wouldn’t end up homeless and barnless.
Once the temporary safety net was in place, I had nothing to lose, except the growing knot in my stomach.
Uncertainty stretches you Outside your Comfort Zone
I’m independent, stubborn, and proud aka I don’t like asking for help. However, being uncertain about where I’m ultimately going to live and work (and having a 30 day deadline), lit a fire under me. I’ve reached out to friends, family, and people in the horse community asking for suggestions of places to relocate. You never know who knows somebody who has a nice home for rent and a ranch with an indoor arena.
Instead of trying to figure this all out on my own (old habit), I’ve stretched outside my comfort zone and asked for what I want and need. As a result, people have been kind and helpful and have not looked down on me, as I feared they would if they found out that I don’t have my entire life figured out.
Here’s the secret…NONE OF US HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT. It feels vulnerable to ask for help and suggestions AND I’m realizing how many people are eager to help. By reaching out, I’ve gained great ideas and referrals, and most importantly, let other people in, especially when my life isn’t “perfect”.
It’s not a terrible thing that we feel fear when faced with the unknown. It is part of being alive, something we all share. – Pema Chodron
Uncertainty makes you Re-evaluate your Life
Uncertainty has been an opportunity to take stock of my life. It’s made me look around and re-evaluate the way I’ve been living. I’m proud of the business I’ve created and the impact Unbridled Retreats has on helping others. In the midst of building a business, my living conditions have taken a back seat and I’ve been roughing it a bit the past 3 years. What once worked for me, no longer does, and I’m ready to evolve my standards from a shower stall, to a shower with a bathtub.
I went to my financial planner a few weeks ago and she looked me in the eye and said “You’ve paid your dues. You should have a dishwasher.” I laughed and agreed.
It’s time to upgrade my life and I’m looking for a place that has the amenities I desire…a washer/dryer, bathtub, dishwasher, and a strong WiFi connection. I don’t know how my desires will manifest but I’m certain about the living conditions I’ve outgrown, and what I’m not willing to settle for.
“Maturity is the capacity to endure uncertainty.” – John Huston Finley
Uncertainty teaches you to Trust and Have Faith
To address uncertainty and boost my manifesting mojo, I went on a shopping trip to Micheals for a small keepsake box, posterboard, and a glue stick.
Taking Tosha Silver’s advice, author of Outrageous Openness, I’ve created a God Box to write my worries on strips of paper and then put them in the box. It’s a tangible tool to release my worries, get out of my own way, and allow the Universe to do her thing.
I’ve also created an updated vision board, and written myself a check for the amount of money I want to make in a year, taping it above my bed as a reminder.
Feeling uncertain has propelled me into taking action steps that deepen my faith in the Universe. I’m learning to trust that what the Universe has in store for me, may not be what my ego has in store for me…gulp…and that’s ok.
“When nothing is certain, anything is possible.” – Author unknown
Uncertainty is inevitable and we can fear it or embrace it. I’m looking outside right now and I’m uncertain when will the muddy road dry out? Where will I end up living long-term? When will I meet my soulmate? When am I going to…? The list goes on and on.
I’m not certain of the answers but I am certain that by honoring my intuition, taking action, reaching out, and trusting the process…the path will be revealed, one step at a time.
Seeking horse ranch and beautiful home with clawfoot tub,
Devon
Wow! Can’t wait to hear about the new direction! This post was perfect for my upcoming first week of the new job. New changes with a whole lot of uncertainty right ahead.
Nichole, I’m glad this post was timely for you…I know you’re going to ROCK your new job. Look at what you’ve manifested! I hear you on experiencing new changes, and trust that it’s all part of the ride. I can’t wait to see you in a few weeks and catch up more 🙂 Sending you positive energy and fuzzy horse hugs for a wonderful first week at the new job!
Thanks Devon! I always love your honesty and openness. I look forward to seeing how things will unfold for you! ” A new adventure is coming, and I know it will be a good one!” Sigurd Olson
Thanks, Lisa, and I love that quote. It does feel like an adventure and not one to be feared, but to be excited about. Stay tuned and I’ll keep you posted!
You go gal!!! ????????????????????????
Thank you, Terri!
Thank you for sharing, it is timely, my whole life is in the middle of a slow change and I have absolutely no clue where my final destination will be or with whom, I know more of who it won’t be with, and the circumstances I am no longer willing to live with/ endure. I always find it interesting how I take solace when I hear other people’s stories that are similar to where I am at… It brings me a sense of connection, I feel less alone. I admire the steps you are taking to hand it over to a “higher power”, it is a great reminder for me and brings the awareness to my mind how often I am “pushing the rope”. I love your idea about a God Box.. I have heard of it before, yet have forgotten about it. Not always but often I know that I come across “things” because of the greater message held within. I am grateful for your blog and I am grateful that I have taken the time to read it. Blessings and Thanks, Heather
Heather, thanks for sharing YOUR journey and you are definitely not alone. I love hearing your awareness about what you’re no longer willing to live with/endure. That’s a huge step about the direction you’re heading in. I highly recommend Tosha Silver’s book “Outrageous Openness”…I think it will resonate with you. XO
I am in the same boat of uncertainty. Your bravery is so inspiring! Thank you for being a voice for those of us that are paralyzed by fear of the unknown. Saddle up girl, away you go on the most magical ride of your life! You chose freedom from fear. You have lit the fire within me 🙂 Thank you.
Thanks for your beautiful comment, Victoria…it brought tears to me eyes. It’s all about hanging on for the ride, eh?! I know you know what I’m talking about and I’m glad to hear YOUR fire is lit. Follow your dream and don’t let anything stop you from doing what you’re born to do. I believe in you!
Devon, I’m so happy to see you being brave an honoring your intuition. I did something similar too recently… I left a job I loved for a job that is closer to home will save me ~1.5 hours on road each day. The new job is also providing the capital I need to be able to pursue the desires of my heart – writing and teaching! I’ve wanted to do this for years, as you know. Finally it seemed like everything aligned and the universe was like “hellooooo!!!” so I pulled the triggers. Hell, I pulled ALL the triggers – my website is being built, I invested in a training course, I created a space in my house to work on the project, and I’m writing every single day! It feels good. It’s also affirming to see you, someone I look up to, doing something similar. I can’t wait to see where the universe takes you.
Holly, thanks for sharing about your courageous recent move. I love hearing that you’re pursuing the desires of your heart, especially writing which are born to do AND share. That’s awesome that you’re pulling all the triggers and going for it, full throttle. That’s how it’s done! I’m reminded of the time we were sitting in a circle in the arena and you were sharing about your beautiful blog. So cool to hear where your journey has taken you, and you lead by example. Much love and respect, XO
Hang in there Devon. I know something terrific is right around the corner. When God closes one door, he always opens another that is more wonderful. An opportunity will present itself to you.
Thank you, Trisha. I definitely agree that when a door closes, another one opens…and sometimes it doesn’t open UNLESS we close a certain door. I appreciate your warm wishes!
I’m in the same place! I just gave my notice last week, the one big difference is I don’t have a place to live. I have decided to become a gypsy. My free spirit has been pulling at me for quite some time now. I am going to Bainbridge Island in Washington for 5 weeks to house sit. Then, who knows after that. I am very excited to begin this journey! My plan is to put what I want to keep in storage and get rid of the rest. I am going to explore this big, beautiful world house sitting! I can’t wait for my adventure to begin! Once I gave my notice I felt free. Yes, the is an uncertainty that goes along with this, that is all part of the excitement.
Wish me luck on my next great adventure!
Donna
That’s awesome, Donna, and what a brave risk you are taking! I hear you on “feeling free” and I love your perspective on focusing on the excitement instead of just uncertainty…that’s a great reminder. Have a helluva great time house sitting, and I’m fascinated. I would love to hear more as you embark on your journey…thanks for sharing!
Devon thank you for sharing! Life has it’s way’s of taking us down different trails. Jim Rohn wrote, ” The wind always blows but it is in the way we set our sails” Knowing and having clarity even through the storm you will get there. Don’t be afraid of dreaming big you may end up with 2 dishwashers!!! Big abrasos mi amiga!!!
Diann, I love that quote and the encouragement to dream big! I am indeed, and this change was the kick in the butt I needed to take my life to the next level. I appreciate your ongoing support and words of wisdom. Hell yes to 2 dishwashers! One for the future ranch home, and one for the retreat center attached to the indoor arena. Stay tuned!
I see it all coming your way, Devon. The perfect place for you and your animals to call home. With the perfect clawfoot bathtub to soak in at the end of amazing days on the ranch. Looking forward to watching it all fall into place for you! xo, Stacie
Thank you, Stacie! Seeing your FB pics of your beautiful home, animals, and fresh eggs inspires me. I appreciate your affirming words especially, “With the perfect clawfoot bathtub to soak in at the end of amazing days on the ranch.” Hell. Yes. XOXO