the way through Uncertainty

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Each of us, to different degrees, are living with uncertainty.  In our writing it's the uncertainty, with a promise of arrival into some certainty, that keeps the reader reading.  In our day-to-day lives we tend to resist or panic when uncertainty arrives at our door. 

We can approach our life as if it is a very good read. We can face our uncertainty. One way to do this is to live with intention. Write with intention.  Not goals mind you (which we tend to use to hit ourselves over the head with, like if I had the goal to write 10 pages or lose 10 pounds). And definitely not with flowery affirmations (which research has shown only works if we already have a solid self-esteem.)  Intentions give us direction while at the same time living creatively with uncertainty. 

We need to have a sense of where we are going -- what direction we are facing. (Where are we taking ourselves or our readers?)  A hope for some future arrival. So the paradoxical nature of uncertainty means living intentionally within these times of uncertainty. 

Intentions help us to live each moment open to what we want in this scene, or what we want to experience or explore in this day.  In our writing we face uncertainty with an understanding of our intentions (what our theme is); in our life we too, have an understanding of our present themes. 

Live with uncertainty by naming and living your themes, your intentions.

Instead of having the goal to "unclutter my life," (as I face my own uncertainties), I hold the intention of "I live with what brings me joy." Does this book, shirt, utensil bring me joy? No? Out it goes. This intention also helps create room for what's next. A crowded house or life can hold us back.  Another intention and theme for me is:  I bring love to this.  I believe love cures all wounds. (And a good walk outside). So instead of having the goal or affirmation to "be happy," I intend to bring love to this.  With these themes I do have a sense of where I am going and how to get there -- a more spacious home and life, and one abundant in love. 

Intentions are simple thematic statements, with a verb (an action word) after the I statement:  I give: I live: I encourage; I discover: I bring... I live an abundant writer's life.  Then we use this to direct our stories on and off the page.  (For more on living with intention see my book: The Zero Point Agreement). 

In your writing let yourself meet up with all the uncertainty that arises in the writing itself and let this uncertainty bring (good) tension to the page. You are promising the reader an arrival at some point of certainty, where most, if not all the questions will be answered and promises kept.  Just so in life -- you will arrive at some beautiful place having stayed true to your intentions in the face of uncertainty. 

I promise. 

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A favorite path through

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FREE VIRTUAL WRITING RETREAT DAY: June 5th. Contact me to sign up. Room for 10. Will include writing prompts, meet up for lunch and a closing sharing circle.