Moving Along – Dealing with Uncertainty and Change
18 Friday Nov 2016
Written by Michelle in Life's Ups and Downs, Thoughts on everything
It feels like a boxing match, a cage-fight – though I’ve never been to either. Maybe it’s worse than that.
After a year and a half of sustained attack, brutal defamation, taking up camps – the U.S. Election is over.
It always amazes me that people are so uncomfortable with ambiguity. We all know, we don’t have true control over change, but uncertainty can really unravel some personality types – others are lucky enough to find some comfort in it. Nothing, no matter how good or bad, stays the same.
Right before the election, a friend gave me a book. “Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change” by Pema Chodron. It’s a simple volume, though richly written and takes a deep dive into 
encouraging the reader to settle into the deep, unknown abyss. Between the book and my fuzzy blue blankie – I found a decent measure of comfort. I heartily recommend this book to my readers, here, not only for healing and moving on together – but as wisdom to draw on whenever life serves up uncertainty.
There are only 3 commitments, Chodron asks from us:
- Committing to Not Cause Harm
- Committing to Take Care of One Another
- Committing to Embrace the World Just as It Is
The book creates a roadmap for successfully committing to each these goals. On a personal level, each commitment seems quite achievable. Together, I suspect it would create a significant shift in the way we think, behave and accept one another.
We can see our world and lives all from our own unique perspectives. The world can be a train wreck and human beings will easily take up camps. But, aren’t you exhausted? Isn’t that not working? It’s done. Let’s create now. [Tweet “Let’s create good, be love and unify.”] Let’s work on ourselves, each individual person to be an example – an approachable, inclusive, listening example – because you cannot influence anyone more than you can yourself. (click to Tweet).
By the way, I’m offering these Complaint Free World bands. You wear it and it reminds you not to complain without offering solution. Mine has kept me positive for over 5 days – so, it’s working. I have a limited supply to share with you. Let me know if you’d like one. If you keep the band on the same wrist for 3 weeks, you have successfully completed the challenge! Stop complaining – well – that would be a good start. 🙂
I hope I’ll be able to write some witty repartee for you next week. This week has been rather quiet and my muse has been resting. I’m ready to focus on possibilities again because-
Possibilities are the embers of hope – the kindling for the fires of our lives; they ignite potential and meaning. (click to Tweet)
Let’s start a fire,
Michelle Andres is a writer and artist who cultivates her own Well Lived Life by drinking in 
the beauty around her, following her passion, respecting others and doing her best to own her own dookie.
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10 Comments
November 20, 2016 at 12:05 am
So glad to hear you’ve seen such a difference in three short days, Michelle. Funny, I’ve been seeing a lot about forming a habit lately – and doing so by eliminating a less desirable one to be put in its stead.
November 20, 2016 at 2:15 am
Thanks, Nanette. I’m on day 7 now – haven’t complained. I feel more upbeat. It’s good to focus on the magic in life – if we really take a look, there’s a lot of it. The book is also a great enforcer.
November 29, 2016 at 3:42 pm
Thank you so very much for the introduction to this book. I can think of a few people who might like it for Christmas, Michelle. Perfect. You must be on day 16 now – hoping it’s still working for you!
December 2, 2016 at 3:02 am
Haha, Kelly. I’m on Day 1!!! Not as easy as it might seem!
December 2, 2016 at 2:23 am
I have that book! I will read it! (I have a lot of books I haven’t read yet). I think many of us need comfort these days – and I love the three commitments we should make – so simple and yet so profound.
December 2, 2016 at 3:00 am
Oh, you’re gonna like it, Vickie. Let me know how you enjoy it! ~m
December 6, 2016 at 8:50 pm
I was unfamiliar with this particular book of hers.Sounds interesting.
Curious how the non-complaining has been going. I have also read that if we concentrate on feeling grateful that will eliminate the complaining because our brain is not wired to be able to do both at the same time.
December 11, 2016 at 8:24 pm
Hi Elda – our family hit a rough patch recently. We lost a family member and the stress has been pretty significant. I decided I’d take the band off for a while, as not to feel like I was failing every single day. I’ll pick it up again when things settle a bit. ~m
December 8, 2016 at 11:48 pm
I will definitely have to check out that book. I’ve always been an advocate of positive thinking…of having faith…and take great comfort in the “knowing” that one person can make a difference.
December 11, 2016 at 8:25 pm
It’s a great book, Debbie. I think you’ll enjoy it!