In the midst of life’s twists, the words of Eckhart Tolle resound: “Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose.” Recently, a close friend found herself in a storm of anxiety after a job interview. Struggling to make ends meet, her mind spun tales of doom. Each choice became a battleground, even a simple grocery item a source of stress. Her spiraling thoughts depicted a grim outcome, painting the interviewer as a disdainful figure.
As I listened, my heart ached. I understood the depths of her fears. I’ve stood at the crossroads of powerlessness, yearning for a semblance of control. We’ve all been there—asking for opinions yet seeking affirmation, fearing the worst and dissecting past actions in vain.
In moments like these, we must remember that worry, while pretending to be necessary, is an illusion. Its efforts neither change nor cushion what’s to come. Instead, it steals from the present to feed an uncertain future. In this cascade of thoughts, we relinquish joy for a mirage of security.
However, there is a path beyond worry’s grasp. By challenging fear’s instinctive hold and embracing uncertainty, we open doors to unforeseen adventures. Reflecting on life’s most fulfilling moments, I find that they often caught me by surprise. While not all desires were fulfilled, the unexpected brought even more satisfaction.
Embracing uncertainty is the price we pay for moments of genuine wonder and awe. It’s easy to suggest mindfulness as a solution—to be fully immersed in the present moment. But, as humans, we’re bound to stray into the realm of what-ifs.
Instead, I propose a balance of presence and trust. We can’t predict specifics, yet we can trust in our resilience. Uncertainty leads to growth, often revealing paths we hadn’t dared to dream.
Ultimately, on the other side of worry lies trust. Trust in the journey, in ourselves, and in the resilience that carries us through.
