The seduction of certainty

Going back into lockdown in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago was disappointing. I had some significant events happening, and with twenty-four hours to go ... Snap. But ONE other THING that I felt was a sense of relief.

I had been pretty anxious about whether my events would go ahead as I watched the COVID cases start to get closer and more numerous.

When the noon news bulletin the day before lockdown had not said anything, I felt confident we would be going ahead with the event.

I considered if I was being reckless by proceeding and concluded we were grown-ups and can decide for ourselves – even if fewer people came.

But once the lockdown was announced, I had certainty. And that felt lighter. A weight had been lifted.

ONE THING I realised was how much we crave certainty, even when the outcome is not ideal. I knew I could move on from here and refocus my actions.

But seeking certainty can be a dangerously seductive paramour. In the wrong circumstances, we can limit ourselves and our achievements to stay within its radius and, more dangerously, breed ugly intolerance.

It's a delicate balance we walk between wanting and needing certainty and being open to possibilities. One I see more clearly these days.

#doonethingdeep #certainty #intolerance