The Art of Finding Peace in Uncertainty: How to Stay Grounded When you’re in Survival Mode

When you’re caught in the thick of it, whether between jobs, hunting for a side hustle, or simply needing a drastic change, it’s easy to let uncertainty control your every move. You wake up unsure of what the day will bring, constantly wondering if this period of instability will ever end, but uncertainty isn’t just something to survive; it’s something you can learn to navigate, even thrive in.

I get it, the fear, the anxiety, and the overwhelming sense that you’re losing ground. You might not know when the storm will pass, and that's what makes it feel like you're walking a tightrope without a safety net, but there’s power in this moment, too. It’s in the space where everything feels unknown that you can start finding peace, even if it’s just in small moments.

I’m not going to tell you to just breath or focus on the positive because that’s the last thing you want to hear when things are falling apart, but what I will tell you is this, the key is embracing uncertainty without letting it suffocate you. Learning to make peace with the fact that you don’t have all the answers right now and that’s okay.

Here’s how I’ve learned to stay grounded through it all:

1. Start Small with Mindfulness

It doesn’t take hours of meditation to find clarity. Start with five minutes. There's no special setting needed. Whether you're washing dishes or sitting in your car, you can tap into the present moment. Let your mind relax into the rhythm of whatever you're doing. The more you practice this, the easier it becomes to reclaim some peace in the chaos.

2. Stop Trying to Control Everything

Survival mode makes you want to control your surroundings, your future, and every little thing, but the fact is control is often an illusion. Acknowledging this by letting go of the idea that you can force things to change faster gives you room to breathe. You’ll find more peace when you allow things to unfold in their own time, trusting that you’re doing what you can while the world sorts itself out.

3. Find Comfort in Small Wins

The days blend together, and sometimes it feels like you're getting nowhere, but every little step counts, whether it’s updating your resume, applying for a job, learning a new skill, or simply getting out of bed, celebrate it. These small victories are proof that you are moving forward, even if it’s at a pace that feels too slow.

4. Lean on Your Support System

We all have a handful of people who show up for us when we need it most. It might not be a crowd, and it might not be the people you expect, but reach out to them. Sometimes, a quick check-in with a friend or mentor, a conversation that doesn't revolve around your struggle, can give you a renewed sense of perspective and remind you that you’re not as alone as you feel.

5. Give Yourself Grace

When you’re in survival mode, it’s easy to beat yourself up for not being where you think you should be, but survival itself is an achievement. You’re still here and still moving. Don’t discount the strength it takes just to keep going. Be kind to yourself. The most important part of this process is learning to be okay with being imperfect with taking things one day at a time.

Uncertainty is uncomfortable but it’s also an opportunity to grow. You can’t change everything all at once but you can start with yourself. You have more power than you think to find moments of peace and to stop feeling so overwhelmed by the chaos of life.

If you’re feeling stuck between jobs, lost in the maze of side hustles, or just trying to reinvent yourself, I get it. I know what it feels like to doubt everything. The truth is that the storm will pass., and when it does, you’ll be different, stronger, wiser, and more resilient.

You’re in the middle of a process that isn’t easy but it is necessary so hang in there. The world doesn’t need you to have it all figured out. It just needs you to keep showing up one small step at a time.

Would you be open to trying these methods? How do you cope with uncertainty? Let me know what’s been working for you. We’re all in this together, figuring it out one step at a time.

 

 

 




Comments

  1. Abdihamid MoulidFebruary 27, 2025 at 5:15 PM

    Awesome!! This is what most African graduates go through.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unapologetic WitMarch 12, 2025 at 5:05 PM

    Absolutely! Many graduates, both in Africa and internationally, go through this. It’s a conversation that needs more attention.

    ReplyDelete

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