# The Value of Embracing Life's Unpredictability
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Understanding Life's Unpredictability
Many of us seek certainty in our lives. When I had a fever of 103 degrees, my primary concern was figuring out when I would start to feel better. Following that, I was eager to learn whether I had won the Writing Competition. Afterward, the headaches set in, and I worried if I would ever write again.
This longing to know what the future holds is a common human experience. However, having the ability to predict accurately often comes at a price. Consider watching a recorded NBA game where you already know the outcome—does it compare to the thrill of watching it live? The excitement is simply not the same.
As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely noted, "If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor." Whether through conscious design or the natural order of things, life is inherently unpredictable. This unpredictability is a fundamental aspect of existence, and whether we embrace it or resist it, we must accept it.
The Challenge of Accepting Unpredictability
Accepting that life is unpredictable can be challenging. Wouldn’t it be comforting to know the course of your life in advance? But consider the implications—what if you learned about your own demise or that of someone close to you? A life where you know every twist and turn would resemble a movie you’ve already seen; enjoyable, perhaps, but devoid of excitement.
I dream of writing a novel that becomes a bestseller, but I wouldn’t want to know in advance which of my writings would achieve fame or fortune. Knowing that would strip away the thrill of creating, and every unsuccessful attempt would feel pointless. A life lacking excitement can lead to feelings of stagnation and depression. Paul Hudson illustrates the importance of seeking excitement in life through his narratives.
What Makes an Unpredictable Life Worth Living?
Here are several key benefits of leading an unpredictable life:
Freedom to Choose
Unpredictability grants you the freedom to make choices. It empowers you to navigate your own path. As C. JoyBell C. puts it, “I’m unpredictable; I never know where I’m going until I get there. I’m always growing, learning, and changing. One thing you can count on is that I will do exactly what I want.”
Embracing Imperfection
Life’s unpredictability allows for imperfection. It encourages a little chaos and spontaneity, which are essential for diversity and creativity. If perfection were the goal, we would only have one book, one painting, and one emotion—what a dull world that would be!
Experiencing Excitement
The thrill of not knowing the outcome of an event—be it a sports game or an exam—fuels our desire to engage with life. Without unpredictability, there would be no aspirations or growth; life would be monotonous.
Learning from Mistakes
Mistakes are integral to the human experience and add color to our lives. If we could foresee the future, we might avoid all errors, but those very mistakes can lead to profound insights and unexpected discoveries. They create the ripple effects that keep us alert and engaged.
Spiritual Growth
As beings with spiritual essence experiencing the physical world, we are here to be awed by life's wonders. Deepak Chopra suggests that we can never fully predict the trajectory of our lives or comprehend the universe’s mysteries. We must learn to embrace uncertainty while admiring its intricate beauty.
Final Reflections
I often say that finding something to be excited about can provide the motivation to take action. Your future is shaped by your thoughts and decisions.
"The future is only grim because people see it that way. It's unpredictable. Life is a summer storm of insecure thoughts. There's an umbrella of precautions to prevent insecurity, but it doesn't always keep the rain out of your face."
— Julian Winters, Running With Lions
Here, we explore the journey of embracing unpredictability and the vibrant life that can emerge from it.