Clouds of Uncertainty
There are seasons in life when clarity feels impossibly far away—when we find ourselves engulfed in a kind of emotional fog. In The Book of Alchemy by Suleika Jaouad—a compilation of 100 stories and prompts gathered to inspire reflection—artist Rebecca Rebouche shares a brief story about heartbreak. She describes feeling surrounded by a cloud of heartbreak she couldn’t see beyond. Many of us know that feeling—not just after loss, but anytime life shifts in ways we didn’t expect.
You might be navigating a career change, a relationship crossroads, or health challenges. Whatever form it takes, uncertainty can feel like walking through a dense cloud: no visibility, no clear path, just the quiet weight of not knowing what’s next.
You might be navigating a career change, a relationship crossroads, or health challenges. Whatever form it takes, uncertainty can feel like walking through a dense cloud: no visibility, no clear path, just the quiet weight of not knowing what’s next.
As a coach, I often remind clients that uncertainty isn’t a sign of failure or a wrong turn—it’s a natural and unavoidable part of growth. Clouds don’t last forever. But while they linger, they invite us to slow down. To listen inward rather than rush toward quick answers.
Instead of fighting the fog, what if we allowed ourselves to pause and soften into it? To ask:
– What small step feels steady right now?
– Where can I offer myself a little more compassion?
– Who can I reach out to for support, even if I don’t have the words yet?
The clouds of uncertainty are part of being human. They don’t erase our progress or potential; they simply ask us to move with gentleness and trust until clarity returns. And it will.
The clouds of uncertainty are part of being human. They don’t erase our progress or potential; they simply ask us to move with gentleness and trust until clarity returns. And it will.
If you’re finding yourself in one of those seasons right now, I invite you to reach out. Sometimes just saying things out loud or having someone walk beside you makes all the difference. You’re welcome to schedule a complimentary call with me—I’d be honored to help you find steady ground, even in the middle of the fog.
Reflection: Think of a time when you felt surrounded by a cloud of uncertainty. What helped you stay grounded, even when the path forward wasn’t clear? If you’re in that kind of season now, what small reminder or ritual might support you in trusting that clarity will return?
Action Step: Choose one gentle step today that doesn’t require certainty—whether that’s journaling, going for a walk without a destination, or reaching out to someone simply to say, “I’m in the middle of figuring things out.”
Tool to Try: The Book of Alchemy: A creative Practice for an Inspired Life by Suleika Jaouad