Are you at a point in life right now, when you just don’t know what to do or where to turn? Well, if you are, you are not alone. There seems to be a rising sense of uncertainty in our nation these days. Many people seem to be at this point especially during this election period. Some people seem to be in a great dilemma of not knowing who to choose or who to trust.
So, what do we do in the midst of this uncertainty? The best present we can give ourselves, during a period of uncertainty, is to take seriously the fact that the present is more important than the future. The past is gone – it is history. The future is yet unborn, but the present is now. It is the present that needs to get our focus and deserves our attention.
The power to effect change is in our hands. We have to use it. You see, in uncertain times the future just gobbles us up. We worry about what might happen and in the process we lose the present. That doesn’t make much sense, does it? Let us put our anchors down in the present so that we will have a solid thing to hold on to when the future comes.
In uncertain times we tend to see all of the flaws, all of the difficulties, all of the things that are not too good. The flaws tend to exaggerate themselves. What we need to do is to remind ourselves that there are no perfect situations and there are no perfect governments. If we are going to be certain, in the midst of uncertainty, we are going to have to do it right where we are – with all of the imperfections – and take courage that God is with us. We must have a belief system that says God is at work even when we can’t see Him.
Uncertain times like any other obstacle should not alter our purpose, direction or fortitude. While circumstances may have changed, or will change, what we are attempting to achieve has not. Our goal should remain the same: to build a brighter and better Anguilla for all. A place that we can be proud of and call our home. We are a resilient and determined people. We usually overcome the odds.
Here are several things that we can do to help us deal with uncertainty:
1. Accept the uncertainty of the circumstance. Recognize that we can’t change the past or predict the future. While this is difficult, it is essential in order for us to move forward. We need to ask God to help us to accept the things we cannot change. It is wise to remember that we will never be able to control everything in life, as life is full of uncertainties. So we must be prepared to embrace uncertainty and focus on the opportunities along with the challenges that come our way.
2. Pray for courage. There are many things in our lives that we can change. Ask God to bring those things to our awareness and give us the courage to change them. We are more powerful than we realize. Our greatest area of control is our thoughts. We have the power to change how we feel by challenging our thoughts.
3. Persevere. Adhere to the mindset of staying the course and accomplishing what we set out to do. The act of persevering will help us to stay focused and on track. Unexpected circumstances, obstacles or delays should not alter our final result. Be strong and stay the course.
4. Keep Our Power. Our decisions are far more powerful than our circumstances. Our power lies within us just waiting for us to use it.
5. Be Fearless. If we are to achieve success, we must remain undaunted. Regardless of what happened today, we must remain strong and courageous. Then embrace tomorrow knowing full well that “It’s what happens next that matters most”.
6. Get rid of negativity and a defeatist mentality. Don’t allow visions of doom and gloom to zap your energy or steal your focus and joy. Give your fears a back seat and get on with the daily activities that provide for your family and nurture your spirit.
7. Seek Help. Turn to God for help. When the going gets tough, seek out the assistance that you need to help you succeed. We all require help at times in order to get where we want to go. Going it alone is never a recipe for effective change or success. God is able to help if we call on Him.
Remember: Uncertainty will always be part of the taking-charge process. (Harold S. Geneen).
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765
