The World Keeps Changing and I'm Tired of It
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The world is full of uncertainty. It always has been, but the past five years have driven that lesson home in ways I never expected.
I don't like uncertainty. I don't know anyone who really does. I'm a planner. I like knowing what's coming so I can prepare for it. But right now? Everything feels like it's shifting constantly: politically, economically, socially, technologically. It's hard to plan from day to day, let alone weeks or months from now.
Not knowing what life is going to look like even next month is unnerving and exhausting. Living in constant limbo sucks.
What I Can't Control (The Infinite List)
The reality is there's so much out of my control. There always has been, but the past several years have magnified just how little control I actually have.
I cannot control world events or political outcomes. I cannot control how other people respond or behave. I cannot control the economy, technology changes, or what's going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year.
The list of what I cannot control is infinite. And trying to control the uncontrollable only causes more anxiety, worry, and pain. It leads to sleepless nights, stress eating, and endless rumination. It's useless and, even worse, damaging.
What I Can Control (The Power List)
But here's what I've learned over these past five years of constant upheaval: there are things within my control, and focusing on those is where I find my power.
I can control how much information I take in and the quality of that information. I can turn off the news when it becomes overwhelming. I can choose sources that inform rather than inflame.
I can control who I spend my time with and who I see on my social media feed. If someone's constant negativity or drama is draining me, I can create distance digitally or physically.
I can control what I choose to focus on. When the world feels chaotic, I can focus on what's right in front of me—the people I love, the work I'm doing, the small moments of joy.
I can control whether or not I respond to someone else's behavior, comments, or opinions. Just because someone says something doesn't mean I have to engage with it.
I can control what coping strategies I use during difficult times. I can go for a walk, talk to a friend, write in my journal, breathe deeply. I get to choose how I take care of myself.
Finding Peace in What I Can Control
By letting go of what I cannot control and focusing on what I can, I feel empowered. I know I have choices. I know I can get through hard things because I've done difficult things before—many times over the past five years.
It's not perfect. It's not unicorns and roses. But it's better than drowning in anxiety over things I can't change.
Your Turn
What are you currently focusing on that's out of your control? What impact is it having on your physical and mental well-being?
If it's having a negative impact, make a conscious decision to shift your focus to what is within your control. That's where you'll find your power. And perhaps a little bit of peace.
The world will keep changing. Uncertainty isn't going anywhere. But your response to it? That's always been yours to control.