OVERCOME FEAR OF UNCERTAINTY

 The Great Unknown: How We Learn to Dance with Uncertainty in Life

​We've all been there: that pit-of-the-stomach churn when the path ahead blurs. The job market shifts, a relationship takes an unexpected turn, or perhaps, like many in Nepalgunj might currently feel, the monsoon rains are late, adding an unpredictable layer to daily life. Uncertainty—it's the universal human experience, and for most of us, it feels less like a gentle breeze and more like a category five hurricane in our minds.

​Why does the unknown hold such a tight grip on us? Why do we dread the words "we'll see" or "things are up in the air"?

​The Brain's Blueprint for Predictability

​Our brains are ancient, wired for survival. Imagine our ancestors in the jungle; knowing where the tiger lurked or when the next fruit harvest would come was literally life or death. Predictability meant safety. Today, the "tiger" might be a looming deadline or an unclear future, but our brain's alarm system still screams "DANGER!" at the first whiff of an uncontrolled variable. We crave patterns, crave control, because our primal self associates the unknown with threat.

​Example: Think about planning a trip to Bardia National Park. You book your safari, your lodge, your transport. Suddenly, there's news of a local bandh (strike) affecting travel. Instantly, your well-laid plans are thrown into disarray. Your brain, which had neatly filed away "Bardia trip = fun and smooth," now grapples with "Bardia trip = potential roadblocks, delays, ruined plans." The joy is replaced by anxiety, not because the trip will be ruined, but because it might be.

​The Tyranny of "What If?"

​When certainty evaporates, our minds rush to fill the void—often with the worst possible scenarios. This is our "catastrophic imagination" in overdrive. Instead of envisioning new opportunities, we forecast a parade of misfortunes.

​Example: You've just finished your studies in Nepalgunj and are looking for your first job. The market is competitive, and you're not getting immediate responses. Instead of thinking, "This is tough, but I'll keep trying and learning," your mind might jump to: "What if I never find a job? What if I have to move back home? What if everyone else succeeds and I don't?" This internal narrative isn't helpful; it's paralyzing.

​Solutions: Dancing with the Unknown

​Completely eradicating uncertainty is like trying to stop the Karnali River from flowing. It's impossible. But we can learn to navigate its currents with grace and strength.

​Acknowledge and Validate (No, Seriously): The first step to conquering a monster is to look it in the eye. When that anxious feeling hits, instead of fighting it, simply say, "Ah, here's my fear of uncertainty. It's uncomfortable, but it's okay to feel this way." Giving it a name and permission to exist often reduces its power. You're not ignoring it; you're observing it.

​Anchor to the Present Moment (The Power of Now): Uncertainty thrives on future projections. Bring yourself back to the now. What can you see, hear, feel, taste, and smell right now? Taking a moment to appreciate the vibrant street life of Nepalgunj, the aroma of a nearby tea stall, or the rhythm of your own breath can ground you. This isn't escapism; it's a strategic retreat to a place where you have control—the present.

​Identify Your "Circle of Control": You can't control the weather, the economy, or other people's decisions. But what can you control? Your effort, your attitude, your learning, your response. Focus ruthlessly on these.

​Example: Let's revisit the job search. You can't control if a company calls you back. But you can control:

​Updating your CV.

​Networking with professionals in Nepalgunj.

​Learning a new skill online.

​Practicing interview questions.

​Maintaining a positive mindset.

By shifting your focus, you move from passive worry to active empowerment.

​Reframe the Narrative (From Threat to Opportunity): This is perhaps the most powerful mental shift. Instead of "What if something bad happens?", try "What if something unexpected, maybe even good, happens?" Uncertainty often ushers in innovation, growth, and new perspectives.

​Example: Perhaps your initial job search isn't working out. Instead of despair, reframe it: "This is an opportunity to explore a different career path I hadn't considered, or maybe even start my own small business here in Nepalgunj, fulfilling a local need." This reframing isn't naive optimism; it's a deliberate act of seeking potential within the chaos.

​Build a "Resilience Toolkit": What practices help you feel strong and centered?

​Movement: A walk along the Rapti River, a yoga session, or a game of football.

​Connection: Spending time with trusted friends and family. Sharing your fears often lessens their burden.

​Creativity: Writing, drawing, cooking a new dish—anything that engages your mind in a different way.

​Uncertainty is not a wall; it's an open door to possibilities we haven't yet imagined. It’s in these moments of not knowing that we truly discover our strength, adaptability, and the incredible resilience that lies within us. So, the next time the ground feels shaky, take a deep breath, acknowledge the fear, and remember that you have everything you need to navigate the beautiful, unpredictable dance of life.