How to Navigate Uncertain Times and Build Resilience in Life

Uncertainty is something that resonates with all of us, especially during challenging times. Some people may view uncertainty as a neutral or even positive force, seeing it as filled with possibility and potential. But for many, uncertainty brings feelings of worry and anxiety, leaving us feeling unsteady and unsure.

The Challenge of Uncertainty

If you find yourself feeling anxious about uncertainty, it's often because of a negative perspective you’ve developed over time. This isn’t something to blame yourself for—it's shaped by our upbringing and the beliefs we've internalized.

The good news is that these perspectives can change. When we feel overwhelmed, it helps to articulate what exactly we’re struggling with. Putting our worries into concrete words can make them more manageable, instead of letting them swirl around in our minds.

For me, uncertainty often feels like being a tree in a storm. Sometimes, it’s just a gentle breeze that makes you sway a little, but during bigger periods of uncertainty, it can feel like a hurricane threatening to uproot you. In those moments, it's natural to look around for answers, to see what others are doing to stay grounded, and to try to hold onto anything that might keep you steady.

Overwhelm and doubt often accompany uncertainty. The mind can spiral into "what if" scenarios, leading to stress that doesn’t just affect your thoughts—it shows up in your body too. You might experience physical symptoms like stomach issues, headaches, or trouble sleeping. When your body is in a stressed state, it becomes difficult to manage anything.

I share here with you 3 Core Tips for finding stability based on my experiences.

CORE TIP 1: The need to build up Capacity

From my experience, building capacity—both physically, emotionally, mentally —is crucial during uncertain times. This means getting enough sleep, nourishing your body with quality food, and seeking emotional support from others.

Just as a tree thrives in a forest, we need connection and support to stay grounded, whether that means reaching out for help or strengthening our own support systems.

Reflecting on my own journey, there was a time when I didn’t realise how much tension I was holding in my body. I was so unaware of my own physical capacity.

After a difficult breakup and feeling burnt out from work, it was when I discovered Lilynage through a podcast and started learning more about it and practicing self-massage. It was through this practice that I became aware of the stress and tension I was carrying—my back was tense, my ribcage was tight, and I hadn’t even noticed despite my training as a physician, when it came to my own body, I was so unaware how much I was going through and how it was taking a toll on my body.

But through the Lilynage method of self-massage, I realized how powerful it was in building up my capacity again because of its holistic nature.

Physically, not only do you release tension and reduce aches and pains with the massage, but you also get your body more streamlined because you are working to improve the deep lymphatic drainage. Emotionally, it was comforting, soothing and nurturing. It was all about spending the time really caring for my body the way that I would care for a loved one, a child who was going through a difficult time. Mentally, it provided me with that safe nurturing container to reflect on myself and my situation and what I wanted for my life.

This practice builds emotional and physical capacity by reducing stress and promoting feelings of safety and love. It’s a way of nurturing and cherishing yourself, and over time, it can lead to profound changes.

One question that I found so useful in reflection is "Do you feel that your body is precious to you?" It's a simple question, but it can be revealing. How much time do we actually spend caring for our bodies? How often do we place our hands on our bodies and really connect with ourselves? These are important considerations, especially when we’re going through challenging times. For most people, it could be just 1-2minutes when we are showering or rapidly slathering on some body lotion.

Another question to consider is, "Do you love yourself from the very bottom of your heart?" It’s not always easy to answer. Some days, you might feel an overwhelming yes, while other days, the answer might be less certain. The journey to self-love is a process, often requiring us to unlearn harsh self-criticism and replace it with compassion and kindness. I realized during my own period of uncertainty and rock bottom that while I believed I loved myself, my self-talk and the way I treated myself showed that I could love myself better.

When I was going through that difficult phase, I constantly blamed myself for not being like others, for not handling my job as easily as my peers. But through self-massage and reflection, I began to shift from self-blame to self-love. It wasn’t an overnight change, but a gradual process of learning to appreciate and cherish who I am, rather than looking outside for validation.

This shift was about moving towards more love, compassion, and forgiveness—learning to accept myself and look inward rather than searching for answers outside. It was about focusing on who I am at my core, rather than what others expect me to be.

CORE TIP 2: Nurturing Your Inner Core: The Axis of Self

We all have an axis within us—a core that represents who we are and what we stand for. In times of uncertainty, it’s easy to look outward, trying to mimic others who seem to have it all figured out. But true stability comes from nurturing our own core, our own axis, and allowing ourselves to grow strong and resilient from within.

When times are uncertain and we don’t have the answers, we will always be able to go back to this central axis to ask ourselves:
What is it that we want?
What is it we stand for?
What do we truly value and treasure in our lives?

But the more we focus on nurturing our Inner Core, getting that internal axis strong, it doesn't get so affected by those external winds. No matter what others say or what happens in life, if our tree trunk is big and strong, it doesn't get so affected by those external winds.

CORE TIP 3: Shifting from Lack to Abundance

Finally, one of the most powerful shifts we can make during uncertain times is turning our focus from what we don’t have to what we do have. By staying present and appreciating what is here right now—starting with our own bodies—we can navigate uncertainty with more grace and stability.

The journey of self-compassion and self-love is ongoing. It’s not a one and done thing because we are always growing, living and evolving throughout our whole lives.

It’s about consistently nurturing and cherishing yourself, especially during challenging times. And learning to love ourselves as deeply as we can for the rest of our lives.

And it can all begin with something as simple as placing your hands on your body, reconnecting with yourself again.