Uncertainty; not a bad way to live

December 31^st 2009

Another year is hours from passing away. The same uncertainty that brought in the New Year, last year, will continue into 2010. As humans we long for certainty. We plan and plan our lives so that uncertainty has no place to grow. We map out our futures, many just waiting for the day they can retire and finally enjoy life. Have you ever thought about how stupid that is? We live 62 years on this earth planning to live the last 20 or 30.

I look back and see so many moments that were lost in my obsession to plan. Our forefathers were planners but when they mapped out this country or left the East to discover the West uncertainty was part of the journey. Those who have done great things in life embraced uncertainty as we would a good friend after a long absence.

We seem to have lost our spirit for adventure. We nestle down, living in what we call the daily grind, as memories and moments not recoverable get lost in 401k plans or thoughts of leaving behind to our kids something society claims is much more important, financial security.

Perhaps that is the greatest lesson learned (hopefully) in 2009. There is no such thing as certainty, financial security or planning our lives. Perhaps in 2010 we need to take a serious look at simplification. Perhaps we won’t have a choice and that will become the theme of our lives.