I don’t watch sport. I don’t play much sport. I’m just not ‘sporty’. And so, I’ve certainly never understood - or made much effort to understand - the game of cricket.
Until last month, that is.
Somehow, cricket - more specifically, the Indian Premier League - has succeeded in capturing my full attention over the past few weeks. And so now, what has been an innate, age-old element of daily life in India has subtly edged its way into my life, too. (Yes, this is as Indian as I’ve ever felt, and will perhaps ever feel).
Naturally, I’ve taken a long, hard, look at how I got here. How did I become someone genuinely interested in sport - let alone television?
The only answer: the daily cricket match has become a pillar of certainty in the midst of increasing uncertainty.
Of late, each new day has been serving up a fresh helping of worries, of uncertainties and unknowables. And so, the knowledge that a cricket match will be broadcast live on television every single evening, of having the match accompany the rhythm of my routine, has been an immense source of calm and comfort.
And why am I holding on so tightly, so fervently, to this particular comfort?
You see, a couple of weeks ago, I made a significant life decision - one that has thrown me headfirst into a black hole of uncertainty. As I write this, I can’t exactly determine when this period of uncertainty will be over. And that’s a pretty terrifying thing.
Uncertainty. I’ve grappled with it, become hopelessly entangled in it, and yet, as a constant nomad, I’ve reluctantly become accustomed to it. I appreciate knowing the plan, the future, the outcome - even when, by nature, it’s mostly unknown.
This desire to know what’s in store is a way, I suppose, of soothing my anxiety, of calming the nerves. It’s a way of reassuring myself that, if I know what will happen, I will have some semblance of control of the situation, of my life.
But, of course, life rarely works in a way that allows for control. And that’s okay. That, in fact, is a beautiful thing.
Why? Because it is in the spaces of uncertainty that you allow serendipity to have its say - to have its moment. And when those serendipitous moments happen, you will forever be grateful for the opportunity you were given to not know what your next step was.
So, as I write this, I know my only choice is to not only accept this phase of uncertainty, but to embrace it.
Here’s how.
#1 Take Action
Don’t associate a lack of certainty with a lack of control. Granted, certain parts of your situation will be beyond the realm of your control. But there will almost always be something you can act on.
If you have the power to effect change, to peel away a layer of uncertainty from your circumstances, use it. Do what you can - kick-start that side project, apply for the dream job - and do what it takes.
But this doesn’t mean you have to be constantly achieving - or even progressing. You just have to try.
The very notion of simple, focussed action - even without any quick, tangible, results - will be enough to help you slowly swap your flustered state to one that is more calm and in control. And that’s because you know you are giving this your best shot.
The key is to just not allow complacency to get in the way. Don’t give in to hopeless thoughts of the ‘there’s nothing I can do’ variety.
Work towards potential solutions and, all the while, have faith in the journey.
—
#2 Lean on Your Support System
I know. The chaos circulating you, consuming you, can be incredibly difficult to experience. And so, the prospect of speaking to anyone about it, of stringing together said chaos into any sort of cohesive narrative, can be paralysing.
That’s alright. That’s normal. Step back and indulge in all the alone time you need.
But when you’re ready, make the effort to emerge. Reach out to your friends, to your family, to anyone who is willing to fiercely protect and support you.
You don’t have to record long voice notes, tap out essays, or reply instantly (more on that here). Just start somewhere - with a simple message, a quick phone call. Much like a workout, this may be difficult to initiate but, as soon as you have, you’ll be incredibly glad that you did.
After all, these are people who want the best for you, who want to see you grow from this situation. They will be there to help you navigate the choppy waters of uncertainty. Together, you’ll feel stronger, braver, and - critically - more hopeful than you would if you were to go it alone.
And remember: the ability to ask for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Of course, getting comfortable in the uncomfortable takes a lot of living and learning.
Start slow. Take the time you need to process your emotions. The upheaval of your normal will always be a mentally exhausting journey - one that your mind will need space to digest.
But as you progress, you’ll see it for yourself: uncertainty is a playground for opportunities. Let’s chase them.
And now, with that, it’s time to pop the cricket on.
Until next time,
S
Cover image captured by Oscar Keys for Unsplash.
