Embracing Chaos: Creating in the Unpredictable

Creativity and a shift in perspective have helped me find balance between chaos and peace—both in my life and in public health.

Moving to New Orleans felt like stepping into a beautiful but unpredictable storm. It’s been one of the hardest moves I’ve had to adapt to. I’m still figuring out the rhythm of the city—the culture, the people, and the constant interruptions—hurricanes, potholes, water outages, and the occasional snowfall just to keep things interesting. It’s messy, but there’s something oddly beautiful about learning to dance with the unpredictability rather than fight against it.

In many ways, the past few weeks have felt like navigating an unfamiliar city—unsettling, disorienting, yet full of moments of discovery. Uncertainty is inevitable, but so is resilience. Change disrupts the familiar, whether in a place or within a system, forcing us to adapt, rethink, and carve out new ways forward. Watching the headlines, I see how instability can paralyze or push us toward action. Just as I’ve learned to embrace the chaos of New Orleans, I find myself seeking ways to move with and shape systemic shifts—through creativity, community, and a willingness to rebuild amidst uncertainty.

Navigating Chaos in Public Health

We talk a lot about prevention, intervention, and systemic change, but we also need to recognize the art of working within and around chaos. Some battles can’t be fought head-on. Instead, they require creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to reimagine solutions within the constraints we face.

As public health professionals, we live between two worlds. One is the world of chaos—scarce resources, fear, and instability. The other is the world where change is taking shape—new systems, policies, and funding emerging. This chaos is the process of transformation, and we are the ones navigating its edges. I like to think of us as "edge walkers"—those who bridge the uncertain present with the possibilities of the future.

The Power of Adaptability and Resilience

As the philosopher Heraclitus once said, "The only constant in life is change."

Public health, much like life itself, demands an acceptance of this truth. We’re not just working with data and policies; we’re navigating the intricate dance between structure and spontaneity, control and adaptation.

In times of chaos, emotions often run high—fear, frustration, uncertainty. Yet within these emotions lies a crucial opportunity: the chance to understand ourselves and cultivate resilience. How we perceive change and disruption shapes our experience of it. Instead of resisting chaos, we can see it as a catalyst for growth. By acknowledging our feelings without letting them dictate our actions, we create space for clarity. This shift in perspective gives us power—not by controlling external forces, but by mastering our response to them.

As Sun-Tzu said, "In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity."

Embracing Creativity in Public Health

Public health isn’t just about preventing disease. It’s about responding to the world as it is, not just as we wish it to be. It’s about adapting, evolving, and finding ways to move forward—even when the road ahead is uncertain. As Albert Camus reminds us, "Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present." In our work, we must be fully engaged in the moment, embracing the challenges before us with creativity and courage.

In public health, creativity isn’t just about thinking outside the box. It’s about reimagining solutions within the box we have, working with the constraints we face. We need to tap into our resourcefulness and the strength of our communities. Change won’t happen through brute force but through collaboration, innovation, and persistence.

A Call to Action: Innovating in Chaos

To my fellow public health professionals: I urge you to look at the limitations before us not as barriers but as invitations to innovate. Let’s rethink how we approach systemic challenges. Let’s tap into our creativity, our resourcefulness, and the strength of our communities. The chaos may not subside, but we can learn to move with it—through it—toward something better.

I invite us all to create a LinkedIn space where we share ideas related to how to navigate this world of constant chaos in public health. Together, we can collaborate, innovate, and find creative solutions to the challenges we face.

Join the conversation: Edge Walkers: Public Health in Chaos