Ways to Thrive in Uncertainty

Spring always seems to surprise us with its beautiful gifts, even when we’re least expecting them. It feels like just yesterday that Josh and I were preparing our Twillingate home for the harsh winter months, splitting wood and winterizing everything. While Sheila’s Brush might still be lurking around the corner, Mother Nature has already blessed us with one of my favourite flowers—the crocus. It’s a gentle reminder that uncertainty is always part of life, and that it can create space for new growth.

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a large dose of uncertainty, as we all have.

Josh and I recently learned from our landlords that we need to find a new home in St. John’s. We’ve only been in this place for a little over a year, so the thought of packing up again felt discouraging. While we would love to live in Twillingate year-round, our work keeps us in St. John’s most of the time.

And then there’s the state of the world. Tariff wars between two long-time allies. American products disappearing from Canadian shelves. Uncertainty in our workplaces. Tour dates being canceled. Wondering what headlines we’ll see if we dare to check the news again. It’s been overwhelming.

I couldn’t help but notice the evidence everywhere of how the world seems to be struggling. And the more I thought about it, the deeper I sank into a spiral of negativity, fear, and frustration.

How could I continue coaching others, teaching my flute students, or leading effectively if I stayed stuck in that headspace? I couldn’t. It wasn’t in alignment with who I want to be. I needed to make a change. I needed to create a new system - a system that would allow me to thrive in uncertainty. And so, I made that my top priority.

I reminded myself that I always have the power to choose my thoughts. I can choose to try something different. I can choose to lean into faith and optimism, rather than focusing on fear and pessimism. Life doesn’t have to feel like a struggle. I could create a new system, one that nourishes my well-being and brings me clarity, peace of mind, and progress.

“Your outcomes are a result of how you think, not the result of your circumstances.” - Brooke Castillo

Since making that choice, I’ve been experimenting with several tools that are helping me thrive in uncertainty. They’ve been working wonders, and I wanted to share them with you.

10 Tools for Thriving in Uncertainty:

1. Feel ALL the feels
   Sit quietly with your emotions. Put a minute on the timer, sip some tea, and ask yourself, “What am I feeling right now?” Let whatever comes up, pleasant or not, bubble to the surface. Watch as those feelings pass through you like clouds in the sky. They’re only temporary.

2. Try a Brain Dump - freeform writing. Light a candle, grab a blank piece of paper, and let your thoughts flow. You’d be surprised at what needs to come out. No one will read this, so don’t hold back! Write until you feel a shift. Once you’re done, don’t reread it - just tear it up, burn it, or toss it away. The goal is to release what’s inside without giving it more attention.

3. Create routines that nourish your soul
   This can look different for everyone. Maybe it’s a morning ritual before you start your day, or enjoying your favourite cup of tea before bed. A simple, consistent routine can bring comfort when everything else feels out of control. It reminds us that there are still things we can manage.

4. Take focused ACTION
   Be proactive. Break down overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable actions. What small step can you take today to move closer to your goal? The more consistent small actions you take, the more confidence you’ll build in yourself.

5. Create more than one plan
   Having a backup plan (or three) can bring a sense of comfort when you’re unsure how things will unfold. Consider brainstorming with someone you trust and list 15 possible actions you could take to address a challenge. The more options you have, the more empowered you’ll feel.

6. Get present - the present is a gift
   Think about what helps you be present. What’s your magic medicine for this? For me, it’s time spent in nature, playing music, cooking, yoga, meditating, journaling, playing with pets, or practicing gratitude. Being present clears the mind, helps us make decisions aligned with our purpose, and improves our communication with others.

7. Focus on your own path - not what others are doing
   The only thing we can truly control is our own thoughts and actions. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others - what they have, what we don’t, what we wish we had. But when we focus on someone else’s world, we forget that we can only control our own. Often, judgment toward others is a reflection of what we desire for ourselves. What can you do today to show up for your future self?

8. Reach out to others you trust and feel safe around
   Surrender as you ask for help. There’s no shame in reaching out. Sometimes, we just need someone who truly sees and understands us, or a fresh perspective. Receiving support is a beautiful gift that can help us grow.

9. Look at uncertainty as an opportunity for growth
   Do you want to grow, or do you want to stay the same? Something better could be waiting for you just around the corner!

10. Collect evidence that you are supported and guided by a loving, living force

    Whatever you call it: God, the Divine, the Universe, Great Spirit. I like to document these signs in a journal I call Messages From the Loving Universe. It’s incredible how often I see these signs when I’m open to them.

Want to explore how these tools can work specifically in your life? Let’s book a complimentary coaching session together.

Rozalind MacPhail is an award-winning musician, speaker, educator and life coach based in St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador. One of Canada’s most buzzed about Di Zhao sponsored artists, she’s produced numerous solo albums, composed music for film and toured internationally over the last two decades. Visit: www.rozalindmacphail.com