Stepping into the Unknown – Day 1

I ran into a friend at a restaurant one day. I asked her how she was doing.

“My divorce is final. I’m newly sober. My alimony has run out. And I realize I don’t have a clue about what I want or what’s next in my life.”

“Isn’t that great?” I said. “You’re in the Unknown.”

She scowled at me. I smiled. When it’s not us, we can see all the possibilities and potential from entering that vast domain of not knowing what’s coming next. We know clearly that it is a necessary place to be. If we knew what was coming next, it would be limited by what we have experienced so far.

When change is happening to others, we can sit back and be philosophical. We can remind our friends and loved ones that not knowing puts us on high alert. It makes us more aware and sensitive. We’re open to learning, seeing, and experiencing new things. Sometimes having our lives turned upside down is essential because the process allows us to be transformed. Hanging on to what is familiar wouldn’t work. We know all of this because we’ve been there many times. We know that there’s nothing to fear, because before long, a new life will appear.

We know all this until the Unknown happens to us.

I met my daughter for lunch at a restaurant. She asked how I was doing.

“I’m scared,” I said. “I’ve had a pretty clear path for the last few years. I’ve known what was coming and what to expect. I’m just finishing up the last pieces of everything I know to do. After that, I don’t have a clue.”

“Isn’t that great?” she asked. “You’re entering the Unknown. How exciting for you.”

It was my turn to scowl now. There are times we feel comfortable and secure in the daily routine of our lives, relationships, and work. Other times, this sense of security becomes shaken and dislodged. We become acutely aware of how vulnerable we are, and that while there may be answers to our problems and a path for us, we don’t have that information yet.

I have seen strong women cry and get shaky knees. I have heard brave men admit to feeling a wave of fear and wishing they had their mothers. We stand at the edge. For a moment in time, what we see looks dark. We don’t know whether monstrosities loom or whether everything will be fine. People tell us we are guided and to trust in a benevolent plan, but we know that anything can happen.

Take a deep breath. Feel your fear. Then carefully take one step at a time.

Value: Whether it’s an attitude of wonder and awe that we cultivate or a place that we’ve chosen or has been forced on us, letting go of what’s comfortable and familiar and stepping into the Unknown is the value this week.

From the book: 52 Weeks of Conscious Contact

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