Getting comfy in the discomfort

What if the unknown didn't have to be "bad"?

Uncertainty. Limbo. Not knowing. 

Many of us perceive all of these shades of the unknown as “bad”.  

As a challenge. 

As something to be avoided. 

And I get it. Because it feels like I spent a lot of 2022 and a good part of 2023 in this space.

And it was uncomfortable. So very uncomfortable. 

• Uncertainty about where my daughter would go to college. 

• Not knowing if we could move. If we’d find a place on the water. If our house would sell. 

• If my daughter would be ok with the move. 

• The limbo of being in between places. 

• The unknown of medical and health stuff. And emotional stuff. 

• The uncertainty of it all. 

It was A LOT. 

But here is what I remembered, somewhere along the way…and what helped me move through it with more ease. 

The unknown is where magic happens.

I know this. And my core value of curiosity lives and breathes on allowing the unknown to unfold. 

But one thing you may not know about me is that expectations are my kryptonite – and they are most certainly the enemy of allowing the unknown.

Because here is the thing…yes, it’s nice to be able to plug dates into my calendar. To know certain things.

But thriving – and inhabiting your joy - invites us to allow something different. 

To create space – and get comfy in that space – in allowing the unknown.

Sometimes this is called the liminal space – that place between where you were and where you are going. Also known as…the now. 

This in-between is the place of curiosity. Of experimentation. Of allowing instead of judging. Of discernment. And yes, of magic.

And for me, over the last 6 months – steeping in this spaciousness has been my teacher – and my antidote. 

Let me be clear…I still get uncomfortable with all the unknowns. 

The reality is that there are two paths to navigating the unknown. You can force your way through it…searching for answers at every turn. Striving for the light at the end of the tunnel.

Or you can, as my acupuncturist said to me – simply trust that you are on the path. And BE on the path. 

The reminder for me is that just like in a yin yoga shape – where the idea is to find an edge of discomfort,  where my body is speaking to me – and STAY there ….this season is asking me to do the same. 

In my heart. In my mind. 

Because staying there invites listening. It invites honoring. And the longer I stay, the more I realize what matters and what doesn’t. 

In this space, I’ve been able to DO less and BE more. 

In this space, I’ve been reminded that every time I turn towards myself – towards my core values – especially curiosity and delight – I can’t help but create magic. 

And the fascinating thing is that as I move through this season of my life – I’ve encountered a sense of contentment in the unknown of it all. 

Truly….because it feels like freedom to not have all the answers. To be ok with “I don’t know.” 

To decide that the only certainty I need is about what makes me ME. To prioritize alignment over answers. 

My nudge to you today, as we begin a new week and approach a new month – is to consider…where are you fighting the unknown?

And what would it be like to even for just a moment – take a step back…and get curious instead. 

If this feels too abstract, you can play with the journal prompt: What might I allow if I give myself permission to not know the answer? To not need the answer?

I’d love to hear what emerges for you!