Ever have this happen? You go away for a week and you’re so immersed in meeting with others, exchanging ideas, and taking in new insights, that when it’s time to go home, you think—wait, how do I go back to my “normal” life now?!
Maybe you can relate?
Somehow, going away—whether it’s for a conference, a workshop, a festival, or vacation—always seems to lull me into believing life could be much simpler. When I’m away, of course, I’m just dealing with the here and the now, so living IS easier. But in coming home, it’s back to “reality”—back to the full responsibilities and the uncertainties about the future.
Last week I was in Rhinebeck, NY, for a Tools® seminar on working with the Jungian concept of the shadow. It was great: I got a chance to deepen my coaching skills as well as reflect on living and working with my own shadows. And I got away from my usual routine and worries. All that was fantastic.
But on the ride home all the worries came flooding back: the projects I’m behind on, family concerns, and the upcoming election, the fate of the planet, etc. And I don’t think I’m alone in this.
Ever since the pandemic, I’ve found there’s a general heightened anxiety and discomfort with our very unknown future.
In thinking this through, I realized I needed to go back to the basics and review what it is I AM certain about. Here are my . . .
Three keys for coping with uncertainty
#1 Keep Making Art
The best antidote to fear and worry is doing creative work. Dig into a worthy creative challenge and get your flow state on. Lean into that project you’ve been avoiding.
I find even if it’s just 45 minutes a day you can devote to your own project, when done consistently, this is a stress-buster. So go ahead and learn the scary new piece on your list. Or write that scary new piece yourself. Invest in your artistry.
You won’t regret it. Because actually, it’s NOT having done these creative projects that in the end, people regret the most.
And because we are social creatures, it’s important especially when we’re anxious and uncertain to . . .
#2 Reach out and Connect
During the pandemic, many of us got used to not going out as much, not connecting in person with as many people as we had previously.
For introverts like me and everyone who works online, you may need to push yourself to get out and connect with people. Do it.
When you push yourself out of your comfort zone, you set new possibilities into motion.
Is there something new you’d love to learn? Is there a class, a hiking group, a book club, a meditation group, or some other way you might find more connection and sense of community?
When you bring your openhearted energy and curiosity to others, you open a path to creating connection and a sense of belonging. This again, is a terrific way to lower stress and raise your sense of hope.
Here’s one more essential key. It sounds simple but it’s not easy . . .
#3 Accept what’s in front of you and move forward anyway
In times like these, when the world seems to be falling apart, it’s easy to feel powerless. And we may be telling ourselves what we do as musicians and people doesn’t matter.
BUT IT DOES.
Our everyday exchanges—with people we know and those we don’t—all of these compound to make up the quality of our day, our week, our lives. The way we treat ourselves and each other determines how we feel and see the world.
In each of our spheres of influence we have opportunities to bring our best to each moment, and when we do, we help transform the world.
So instead of complaining and railing against what’s wrong and what we can’t fix, let’s take a page from the Serenity prayer:
“God grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the Courage to change the things I can, and the Wisdom to know the difference.”
By using these three keys you can bring more goodness into the world—and that’s certain.
Beyond these keys, here’s the blessing I wish on us all . . .
May we be kind to ourselves and to others.
May we perceive the beauty around us each day.
May we experience wonder.
May we be free from suffering.
May we help create and share a sense of belonging.
May we appreciate the gifts we have and the gifts we bring forth in others.
May we be grateful and happy in the struggle.
Thank you for the music you bring to the world—our world needs it.
And if you’re curious about coaching with me to help get your career and your artistry into full forward motion, check here.
Here’s to your better future,
Dream Big, Plan Smart, Live Well
