Uncertainty And Being Out Of Control: The Truth

Have you ever felt like uncertainty was running the show? When you don’t know if you’re coming or going, it’s easy to feel off-balance. In this episode, I share how moving houses stirred up that sense of being out of control and what I’ve learned about handling uncertainty in my dyslexic mind.

We explore why the unknown can be extra tricky for those of us who think differently, and I offer a few simple tips that help me manage the spinning thoughts. If you’ve been wrestling with that uneasy flutter in your stomach when life’s up in the air, you’ll find some comfort here.

My Battle with Uncertainty

I’ve noticed that uncertainty hits me so much harder than it seems to with other people. It starts in my stomach, climbs into my head, and leaves me feeling raw. We’ve been planning to move into our new home, but the waiting and lack of control made my brain race with “what ifs.”

The moment I realised how strong this feeling was, it reminded me that being dyslexic often means overthinking a little. My mind goes in loops, searching for patterns or answers, but sometimes there aren’t any—like waiting for a final move-in date that hasn’t been confirmed.

“Sometimes it feels like my head is spinning in a million directions, and I just want to push a big pause button.”

I knew I had to step back and ask, “What can I do right now?” Instead of letting the fear storm spiral, I tried refocusing on the simplest steps.

Embracing the Unknown with a Dyslexic Mind

The biggest challenge is often how to sit with not knowing. My brain wants closure. It’s hungry for certainty. But I’ve learnt that leaning into a little discomfort can open doors to growth.

Here’s what helped me:

• Acknowledge the Feeling: Let yourself feel it without avoiding it or shaming yourself for struggling.
• Check Your Focus: Notice if you’re zeroing in on the negative, and gently redirect to something more grounded.
• Allow Yourself to Rest: When anxious thoughts swarm, giving your mind (and body) a small break can do wonders.

It’s surprising how a quick walk or a few deep breaths reduce the noise. These little resets remind me that I don’t have to solve everything all at once.

Tools and Mindset Shifts

Learning how to cope with uncertainty is like learning a new language. You won’t be fluent overnight, but each small step helps. One method is asking basic questions when the overthinking starts:

1. What’s actually within my control right now?
2. What’s one small action I can take today?
3. Does worrying fix anything, or is it draining my energy?

Answering these can pull you out of the panic quicksand. Ignoring anxiety only makes it louder. Giving it space, then shifting to action, tends to defuse it.

I also look for patterns. When has uncertainty felt overwhelming before, and what worked? Cooking a meal or organising a room might seem simple, but the act of creating order in small corners of my life is calming.

Questions to Ask Yourself

It’s easy to say “Be calm” or “Don’t worry so much,” but actually doing it is another story. Try these reflections:

• Have I been here before, and did I survive it?
• If I fast-forward a month, will this feel the same size?
• What would I say to a friend who felt this way?

Give yourself permission to not know the answers right away. Just placing these questions in your mind can shift your viewpoint.

Key Takeaways

• Uncertainty can spark anxious thoughts, especially for a neurodiverse mind.
• Embrace small acts that ground you when everything feels chaotic.
• Remind yourself that feeling out of control isn’t permanent.
• Ask specific questions to break the cycle of overthinking.

I hope these ideas bring some relief if you’re in a swirl of unknowns. Sometimes choosing one simple action is enough to calm the storm. There’s a lot more in the full episode waiting for you.

If you’d like to hear the complete story and grab more tips, you can listen to the podcast at the top of the page. Head there now and discover a fresh way to handle life’s uncertainties.