I Cannot See Ahead of Me

It is a scary moment when you open a door and enter a room where all you see is darkness, and you know you have to maneuver through its corridors without a glimpse of light.

Which is scarier, not seeing or the unknown?

“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

We like the comfort of seeing. We do what we do amidst light.

I see, therefore, I know.

I see, therefore, I can.

I see, therefore, I will.

But what if you can’t see?

I don’t see, therefore, I don’t know.

I don’t see, therefore, I can’t.

I don’t see, therefore, I won’t.

What if you have to proceed even though you can’t see or can only see dimly?

I cannot see, then I will learn.

I cannot see, then I will trust.

I cannot see, yet I will endeavor.

Sometimes we have to make decisions on what we can’t see and on the unknown. When these moments enter our lives, (and believe me they will enter your life) we need to change our posture from illuminated decision making to unknown decision making. No human is void of the unknown. Each individual story will have at least one chapter where they cannot see ahead.

There are no absolutes in the unknown.

Think about entering a dark room and trying to get to the other side. With careful steps and hands extended, we cautiously and nervously proceed. Some will enter the room and will turn right back around; the unknown is too frightening and they will opt out. Those that choose to attempt this challenge can only do it one way: one step at a time and with a tremendous amount of trust. And as each step moves you forward, you learn. Learning comes from what you just did, not what you are about to do.

Learn from your previous steps, trust the forward steps and choose to endeavor.

– Karen Thrall

*also published on www.karenthrall.com