Uncertainty Is Where Possibility Lives
I think that it is really common for young people to feel confused and live in a period of uncertainty at different stages in their lives. After High School, after College and after University, there is always the question of what's next. Since I graduated from University in August 2024, I have been in a bit of a funny place, thousands of questions buzzing around my head about what I want to do, what I’m good at, what job might suit me, where I want to live and so on. It has been scary, stressful and confusing to try to find the answers. I was lucky enough to have a 4-month travelling stint at the start of the year, but since we came back, this period of uncertainty has been stressful, overwhelming and pretty deflating. The rejections, scarce opportunities, and endless waits after applying took a real toll. It was really difficult to feel motivated or hopeful when I wasn’t seeing any progress and was feeling stagnant.
Recently, I came across something that completely changed my perspective on this time in my life. I was scrolling on Pinterest and came across a post that said, ‘Uncertainty is where possibility lives.’ Having my ‘work cup’ empty and unfulfilled has had a huge effect on my ‘personal cup.’ So, if I worked to reframe this, to think of this time as a period of possibility instead of uncertainty, how would I feel?
Trying to think about uncertainty as a time of possibilities has helped me to move away from the rigid idea of one career path and be open to considering multiple ideas that would suit my style of work, my personality and what I am passionate about. Recognising that I can explore multiple avenues that could suit me in different ways is really encouraging for me.
Reframing uncertainty as possibility didn’t just change how I saw my career search; it also shifted how I approached my personal life. Recognising that uncertainty is where possibility lives has allowed me to reconnect with the things that I used to do in my spare time, as well as discover new things that really match my personality and what I enjoy. Feeling unsure about who I am and what I enjoy is now much more exciting and enjoyable, rather than demotivating and stressful. It is so exciting to think about how much there is to discover, which may become my new favourite hobby. There are infinite possibilities, and I am lucky enough to have the time to discover them during this time.
Two of the main things that I have been reconnecting with are reading and cooking. I read a lot whilst I was away, but was completely unmotivated to pick up a book since I got back. I felt that I was too mentally drained to concentrate on a plot, and doomscrolling on different social media platforms felt like the easier option. It definitely is the easier option, flicking through videos endlessly for hours with no real purpose. However, it most certainly isn’t good for you! I never felt good after scrolling on Instagram for hours, like I did when I was invested in a really good book. Now, I am happily picking up my book every night before bed, enjoying the escapism and the time to do something that I really love. I am open to the possibility of discovering new genres and authors, and really embracing the excitement that this brings has really helped to encourage me and reframe my perspective on uncertainty.
I have started trying to filter the content that I consume to try and make those time periods on my phone more meaningful. Doomscrolling is easy and addictive, requiring minimal effort. However, the negative impact that it has on me is not worth it! I have tried to curate my feed to show recipe videos, food inspiration book content, etc. These are things that I care about and that I feel are useful things to consume, rather than silly videos that have no impact on me whatsoever! I have also started to reach for platforms like Fable and Pinterest, which I find inspire me and motivate me more regarding my hobbies and interests. I feel much less sluggish and that I have wasted my day when consuming this kind of content. Not knowing what to cook, what to make, what book to read is now a feeling that I enjoy. Rather than feeling uncomfortable in the uncertainty, I am now eager to explore the options available to me.
I have also allowed myself to explore different forms of exercise. I have always been uncertain about what I enjoyed and what was good for me. I never felt connected to a particular sport. Taking this period as a period of possibility, I looked for something I would be able to enjoy doing regularly. I recognised my love for music and the motivation I get from listening to albums that I love. I then discovered Emkfit on YouTube, who does a variety of fitness videos on her channel, including Pilates dance workouts to various music artists. I have fallen in love with her page and am really enjoying moving my body in a way that suits me, motivates me and that I can be consistent with.
Overall, thinking about uncertainty being where possibility lives has been so helpful for reframing my mindset, seeing this chapter of my life in a more exciting and inspiring period of time full of opportunities and potential to really understand myself, what I like, what works for me and what I’m good at. I have begun to understand that there are opportunities for growth in every aspect of your life, not just regarding your career. There are endless possibilities when thinking about your career, fitness journey, hobbies and interests. How lucky are we to be able to explore them and get to know ourselves better? Thank you for reading, and if you feel like you’re in a period of uncertainty, remember that it is full of exciting possibilities too.
