22: Embracing Uncertainty

Content warning: This episode discusses cancer and health anxiety. We know these can be challenging and deeply personal topics for some. Please take care.Rowan here. I wanted to record this episode while I was in the thick of facing one of my biggest fears: that I might have cancer.If you’ve ever had a biopsy, you know that worry. Add in a lifelong struggle with illness anxiety (what used to be known as “hypochondria”) and a huge upset to my life at a time when things were already stressful, and I was drowning in fear of the unknown.But it doesn’t have to be a health scare. Uncertainty of any kind can send some of us spiraling. In those moments, we’ll often tell ourselves that if we can just get through [stressor] or know for certain about [stressor], that we’ll be able to relax.But what if we could find calm within the storm and not have to wait until after it passes?Lara and I discuss tips and tricks on how to do this, and the lessons we’ve learned having to spend time with our fear in uncertain times. Believe me, I’ve learned a lot this time around.Sending love and support to everyone going through their own uncertainties in this wildly uncertain times.P.S.: if you hang out until the end, there’s an update on my health.Links: Episode on FairnessEpisode on Unexpected ChangeLara makes art - follow her on InstagramRowan is opening a coffee shop - follow it on YoutubeTranscriptThe full transcript is available on Substack - come on over and check it out by click on the transcript button at the top of the post. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit unboxingit.substack.com/subscribe