Embracing Uncertainty...

as hard as it may seem - we’ve all done it.

At first it was an inevitable simple, developmental task when we were very young.

Between our infant and two-year-old selves we came to understand that we were separate from our parents and caregivers - that we would survive their absences - and that we had growing degrees of control over our environments.(Music boxes and light switches come to mind.)

In adolescence, if we were lucky enough to have been well cared for, a second, 'normal' developmental stage begins. We began to become independent - separating ourselves from the safety and certainty of parental protections and a home place.

As young adults - the quest for a certain safe and secure place in the world became the goal. We began to construct lives that allowed us an illusion of certainty.

We sought - and still seek - secure jobs, we strive to own homes and for as long as they are not threatened - we assure ourselves that all is right with our world.

Until illusion and reality collide…

Wake-up calls are brutal. They may be personal, communal, or global. It may come as the end of a relationship or the death of a loved one; a natural disaster or a national crisis; a worldwide recession, pandemic, or war.

That’s where the navigating begins.

It’s also where our experience, strengths, and weaknesses come into sharp focus.

It's a time to be reminded that during our lifetime of searching for certainty and security - we have held - and been held - in many different places between what was and what will be.

The Space Between was the theme for the TEDxWomen conferences that took place around the world in 2012.

When invited to speak I was challenged to explore what that focus looked like in light of my 2008 emigration to a medieval village in Ireland.

When its walls were constructed it was the first beyond the Pale.

The place itself holds the space between ancient and modern boundaries.

“Beyond the Pale” takes on new meaning when you’re faced with the reality of navigating life in a world where borders are fluid, life is ‘post-conflict’ - but while the violence had subsided - real peace had yet to be made.

I have spent the last 15 years exploring the challenges, advantages, and gifts of life as an “other” in a strange land.

And I’ve understood that the blessing and curse of thirty years spent working to reach a place of forgiveness in my personal life - was to propel this adventure.

This move to a place of unforgiveness.

Survival Stories

Many of my neighbors have shared theirs and born witness to the wisdom gleaned from the worst of times. There is a universal nature of their struggles.

And for most - particularly among my immigrant neighbors - there is an uncelebrated triumph in not succumbing to our circumstances.

And about that illusion of certainty?

There has never been such a thing.

To make peace with it - I have made navigating it the focus of my work.

I summarize it this way:

The change I encourage in my work Empowering Change is to repair and restore your sense of self and to bring those lessons and habits into an effort to repair and restore your world.

Part of that effort included an initiative begun in 2019 - called Catalysing Conversations. We gather for honest conversations in brave space.

What's Next?

You’re invited to join us - both in adding your name to our mailing list and by sharing your story of navigating or embracing uncertainty.

And Save the Date - the evening of November 7th - The Spirit Store in #Dundalk.

Ten speakers will be sharing their inspirational stories of embracing the uncertain borders, boundaries, and identities they’ve faced.

Message me or book a call for the specifics and the opportunities available for sponsorship.

You can learn more about our co-producers at SPEAKevent.com, view other events, or subscribe to their podcast.