Practicing for the Unpredictable
It’s incredibly frustrating not to be able to predict the future. It’s challenging to put in the work without knowing the outcome. It’s scary to love without knowing if that person will be there for you in the ways you need. So how do I know where to invest my energy?
Despite the uncertainty, I’m finding ways to create stability in my life. It’s like when we did fire drills as kids. We practiced our responses to scary situations to stay as safe as possible. By rehearsing, we made it normal to respond to emergencies in a familiar way.
Repeating a behavior makes it easier to do it when the pressure is on. Here are some of my “fire drills” that help me prepare for the world:
Meditation: Sitting quietly and being still reminds me that I can take a pause during the day. This practice teaches me to stay calm and centered, even when life gets chaotic. It’s my way of rehearsing how to keep my cool under pressure.
Exercise: Regular physical activity, whether it’s biking, walking, or yoga, keeps my body and mind resilient. Just like a fire drill trains us to act quickly and efficiently, exercise trains my body to handle stress and recover from physical and mental strain.
Journaling: Writing down my thoughts and feelings helps me process emotions and gain clarity. It’s a way of rehearsing my responses to future challenges, by reflecting on past experiences and planning for the future.
These aren’t the only exercises that work, but I practice what I can daily. I experiment with new activities to keep myself open to new opportunities. The key thing I remind myself is: you are what you repeat. How I practice responding to life shapes how my life unfolds.
ACTION: Take one minute to practice an exercise. Whether it’s a brief meditation, a quick exercise, or a minute of journaling, consistent practices will help you build resilience and steadiness in an unpredictable world.
