There was a time when I believed that if I planned carefully enough and anticipated every challenge, I could secure a stable future. I chased certainty as if it were a destination I could eventually reach through sheer effort, overthinking, and planning. But life, in its inherent unpredictability, has a way of unravelling even our best-laid plans.
I remember the moments when everything I held as certain—my beliefs, my identity, even the structures around me—began to slip away. The world now echoes that instability through political unrest, economic upheaval, climate crises, and rapid social shifts. This collective uncertainty becomes even more profound for those of us prone to deep existential inquiry: Who am I? Why am I here? What is the meaning behind all this chaos?
For many, including neurodivergent individuals who experience the world with unique sensitivities and depth of processing, the weight of existential uncertainty can be even more challenging. The very traits that offer innovative insights and creative approaches can also intensify the struggle with psychological rigidity, especially when the pressure magnifies our discomfort with the unknown.
Existential uncertainty is the recognition that life is inherently unpredictable, fragile, and ultimately unknowable. It is an acknowledgment of our finite existence in a world that offers no guarantees. As Jean-Paul Sartre famously asserted, “We are our choices.” Even amid uncertainty in life, our agency remains intact—if we can recognize it. We can decide how to respond to the challenges we face.
Individuals who are neurodivergent often perceive the world through distinct lenses, engaging in divergent thinking that challenges conventional ideas of control and order. This alternative perspective invites us to question our rigid need for certainty. Alan Watts, in The Wisdom of Insecurity, reminds us: “The desire for security and the feeling of insecurity are the same thing. To hold your breath is to lose your breath.” In embracing our neurodiverse ways of thinking, we can better appreciate the beauty and possibility within uncertainty.
Uncertainty has always been a part of life, yet today’s pace of change—driven by political unrest, technological breakthroughs, climate disruptions, economic instability, and evolving social dynamics, creates an unprecedented and unpredictable environment. Søren Kierkegaard wrote, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.” This notion challenges us to accept that while we can learn from the past, our present is defined by continuous change and our own choices.
For neurodivergent individuals, the struggle with psychological rigidity challenges can be particularly acute. When our minds cling to fixed patterns of thought, the external chaos of these unprecedented times can feel overwhelming. We may fall into overthinking or rumination to try to regain control. Yet it is precisely this rigidity that limits our ability to adapt and find meaning amid the chaos. The task, therefore, is to cultivate psychological flexibility, enabling us to flow with life’s ever-changing rhythms.
In what areas of my life am I seeking certainty where none exists?
Living with uncertainty doesn’t mean surrendering to chaos; rather, it calls for a mindful embrace of life’s unpredictability. Here are several approaches that help foster greater inner flexibility and resilience:
Alan Watts challenges our need for control: “To resist change, to try to cling to life, is like holding your breath: if you persist you kill yourself.” Radical acceptance means acknowledging uncertainty as a natural part of existence. For neurodivergent minds, who often challenge traditional ways of thinking, embracing uncertainty can open doors to creative problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience.
How do I typically respond to uncertainty—do I resist it or embrace it?
Eckhart Tolle advises, “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have.” When the future feels unpredictable, mindfulness in uncertain times can provide a much-needed anchor. This practice is particularly valuable for those who experience intense sensory or emotional intensity, as it helps to centre the mind and ease the grip of psychological rigidity.
How can I practice being more present during times of uncertainty?
Viktor Frankl wrote, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Even amid uncertainty in life, we can create meaning through intentional actions—whether it’s caring for others, engaging in creative pursuits, or aligning our choices with our core values. Neurodivergent individuals may find that their distinct ways of experiencing the world lead to innovative actions that not only foster personal growth but also contribute to collective progress.
What small actions can I take to cultivate meaning, even when the future is unknown?
Martin Heidegger emphasized that human existence is inherently relational: “Being-with others belongs to the being of Dasein, which is co-existence.” Navigating existential questions becomes lighter when shared. Building supportive communities, fostering connection, and actively being with others can ease the isolation often felt during uncertain times. For neurodivergent individuals who may experience social settings differently, finding the right kind of community—online or offline—can offer solace and deeper understanding.
When faced with uncertainty, how do I connect with others and allow myself to simply “be with” them? In what ways does feeling supported or offering support help me navigate the unknown?
Albert Camus wrote, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” Uncertainty isn’t solely a source of instability; it also holds the promise of new beginnings and unexpected opportunities. Embracing uncertainty means recognizing it as fertile ground for our agency to spark creativity, innovation, and personal transformation.
How can I reframe uncertainty as an opportunity rather than a threat, especially considering my unique neurodivergent perspective?
The paradox of uncertainty is that when we stop fighting it, we discover freedom. Simone de Beauvoir urged us, “Change your life today. Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay.” By releasing our grip on psychological rigidity, we allow ourselves the freedom to explore the choices we can make in the present that will come to shape our future.
For neurodivergent individuals, this psychological flexibility can be transformative. Instead of viewing uncertainty as a threat, embracing it as a dynamic part of life can lead to richer, more authentic experiences. Alan Watts encapsulates this idea well: “The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” Trusting the flow of life may be the key to unlocking both inner peace and the creative potential to shape a more resilient future.
For much of my life, I pursued certainty as if it were the key to security. Yet the more I tried to control life, the more anxiety I experienced. It wasn’t until I learned to sit with the unknown—embracing both existential philosophy and my own neurodiverse perspectives—that I began to find freedom.
Rainer Maria Rilke wisely advised, “Be patient toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to love the questions themselves.” We may never have all the answers, but by cultivating psychological flexibility and embracing our neurodivergent ways of thinking, we can learn to flow with life’s uncertainties. In doing so, we find that these spaces of existential uncertainty are not threats but opportunities where life’s most meaningful moments unfold.
If I look back on my deepest existential questions—“Who am I?” and “Why am I here?”, I can see how much energy I once poured into trying to overcome uncertainty rather than learning to be with it. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that living with uncertainty is not about giving up; it’s about softening my grip on the illusion of total control. Instead of seeing the unknown as a void to fear, I now recognize it as a space of boundless possibility, a creative canvas where my decisions, my tribe, and my neurodivergent strengths can all paint new visions of what life could be.
I’m still learning how to balance the desire for certainty with the freedom that comes from not knowing. Some days, I slip back into overthinking or planning too far ahead. But these days, I’m quicker to pause, breathe, and remind myself that uncertainty holds as much promise as it does anxiety. In these moments of acceptance, I feel a quiet thrill, a sense that embracing uncertainty means I’m finally engaging with life on its own terms, open, flexible, and ready for whatever comes next, living and embracing the constantly unfolding process that is life.
Reflect on a time when you faced deep uncertainty in life. How did it feel? What helped you navigate it? Consider your current uncertainties. How might you approach them differently, using insights about psychological flexibility and embracing your neurodivergent strengths?
Learning to see uncertainty is not an obstacle to overcome; it is the very nature of life. The question is not how to escape it, but how to flow with it, learning to find beauty in the unknown, the power of possibility, and welcoming the ever-changing dance of existence. Embracing both our existential challenges and our neurodiverse ways of being may be the pathway to a more resilient way of living.
If you’re seeking a perspective that embraces uncertainty as part of the human experience while honouring the ways neurodivergent minds navigate change, you may find value in exploring therapy approaches that cultivate psychological flexibility, self-acceptance, and meaning-making. Learning to live with uncertainty isn’t about eliminating doubt; it’s about building the capacity to move with life’s shifts rather than resisting them. I invite you to learn more about my approach on the Meet Michael page.
Resources:
Camus, A. (1991). The myth of Sisyphus (J. O’Brien, Trans.). Vintage International. (Original work published 1942)
Frankl, V. E. (2006). Man’s search for meaning (I. Lasch, Trans.). Beacon Press. (Original work published 1946)
Hayes, S. C. (2019). A liberated mind: How to pivot toward what matters. Avery.
Kabat-Zinn, J. (1994). Wherever you go, there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
Tolle, E. (1999). The power of now: A guide to spiritual enlightenment. New World Library.
Watts, A. (1951). The wisdom of insecurity: A message for an age of anxiety. Vintage Books.
Blog Disclaimer:
Personal Anecdotes and Confidentiality
You may encounter personal anecdotes within the content. These stories illustrate concepts and foster a sense of connection. Details have been changed to protect confidentiality, ensuring that no identifying information is shared. I often use these personal anecdotes to convey ideas while safeguarding individuals' privacy. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information shared here is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns or conditions you may have.
Given the diversity of life experiences, not all messages may resonate with everyone. This blog is not a substitute for professional mental health care. For specialized guidance, consult a licensed professional.
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