The title is really a misnomer. I mean, if there was a quick and easy way to deal with uncertainty, everyone would be doing it already. But, because life is uncertain, I do think there are things we can do and control to help deal with the unknown.
The challenge
In January, I had to resign my full time job that I was on leave for my hip replacement surgery. I really enjoyed the job I was in, and it was giving me great experience to, I had hoped, gain a teaching position.
Z started having some problems around the time I had surgery. We’re still trying to figure out exactly what is going on and it’s causing multiple appointments a week for her.
And my recovery is having a hard time. I still have significant amount of pain that makes it impossible to go back to that job and need to use my cane regularly (something I’ve been looking forward to getting rid of for, well, years now).
So, I am now a full time stay at home mom. And we also recently decided to homeschool H. I had already been planning on homeschooling Z because of all the medical appointments and decided to include H in the plan as well.
I love being home with both of them, it’s something I’ve always wanted – to be home with my girls. But going from a two-income family to one, has been financially challenging, let’s say.
Multi-gen support
The beauty of living in a multi-gen home is we can all help each other out when we need it. Recently, my mom had asked if we still wanted to have us all live together, and I was honestly surprised she had to ask. Of course. Just because I’m home now, doesn’t mean I don’t want us to all live together anymore.
While I may be home, I still have plenty of appointments that being by myself, would make it difficult. Yes, I can drag the kids with me to physical therapy sessions that last on average an hour and a half. But frankly, I’d rather not. And I’m sure they’d rather not too!
And us being together allows me to help care after my grandmother so my parents can take a well-deserved vacation. Hello Las Vegas!
But with all this, comes uncertainty of how financially we’re going to survive without my income. Which brings me back to the post title, how do you deal with uncertainty?
The list
Here’s my list of ways to deal with uncertainty in any situation. Maybe there will be something on the list to help you deal with whatever is uncertain in your life.
- Make a plan. I usually have about 5 different plans going on at one time. Planning helps to deal with uncertainty because it gives you back some control. You can’t control everything, but when you make a plan (or multiple plans), you feel more prepared. Feeling more prepared allows you to be in control, which eases that feeling of uncertainty.
- Meditate. I admit, I do not do this enough. I need to make time to do this daily. Or, at least weekly. Clearing your mind of extraneous thoughts helps you to feel more centered, which again, helps deal with the anxious feelings of uncertainties.
- Journal. Or draw, paint, sculpt. Use another medium to help your worries of the uncertainty out.
- Take a walk outside. Walking outside helps to put things in perspective. Maybe that uncertainty isn’t really that big of a deal. Or maybe the thing you were worrying about isn’t what the true worry is.
- Enjoy some laughs. Laughing helps to ease stress, you can read more about it here. So watch that funny movie, or listen to that funny podcast. Or tickle your kids and let their giggles infect you.
- Don’t give in to isolation. I think this one is easy for a lot of people to do. But isolating yourself from your family or friends, or support won’t help. Allow yourself to be with them even when facing an uncertainty.
I hope this list helps in whatever uncertainty you are facing.