🌊 You Can’t Stop the Waves, But You Can Learn to Surf

(Inspired by Jon Kabat-Zinn)

Lately, I’ve been witnessing a rising tide of uncertainty — in organisations, teams, and individuals. It’s no surprise that it can feel destabilising. Many of my clients describe how it shakes their confidence, blurs their sense of direction, and leaves them feeling isolated or overwhelmed.

And yet, uncertainty is likely only to become more prevalent as the rate of change increase. So rather than trying to fight it, what if we learned to move with it?

When I coach clients through moments like these, I often ask two questions:

👉 What are you trying to control that’s actually uncontrollable?

👉 And what might shift if you focused instead on acceptance?

We intellectually know that all aspects of life — projects, emotions, relationships, careers — are impermanent. But our nervous systems don’t like that truth. They crave control, predictability, and certainty. The tension between those two truths is often the root of our stress.

This is where mindfulness and coaching intersect powerfully. Together, they help us:

• Notice our unhelpful thought loops and emotional triggers

• Build the capacity to stay grounded amid change

• Create space for clarity, empathy, and wise action

Psychologist and meditation teacher Tara Brach says it best:

“How we tolerate uncertainty has a powerful effect on our capacity for presence, aliveness, and love.”

For leaders, creatives, and parents alike, how we meet uncertainty sets the tone for everyone around us. When we model calm adaptability, we don’t just steady ourselves — we help cultivate more resilient teams, cultures, and families.

If you or your team are navigating uncertainty right now and want to strengthen your ability to respond with clarity and confidence, I’d love to support you through coaching.

💬 Let’s connect for a conversation.

Until then, remember — you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf!