Facing Uncertainty Head On

Spring Point, South Portland Maine – Photo by Dan Steven Erickson

One year ago today, my daughter and I relocated to Maine.

We left Washington on November 2, 2022 and got here on November 10, 2022. Why? Because Covid-19 and the town of Yakima had led to some major problems for us. We needed to get away. Someday, I’ll tell that story with more detail, perhaps a book. But that’s not the point to this essay.

The point of this post is uncertainty.

Life is full of uncertainty. I bought a condo in Maine sight unseen. I had no idea how long I’d be able to keep my job out West. I had no clue if I’d be able to find work in Maine. I faced uncertainty head on. So did my daughter, Annie.

Annie found work the day we arrived and had three restaurant jobs within a week. I got an adjunct teaching position at the University of New Hampshire within two months.

Since moving to Maine, Annie has continued working, finished high school, started college, bought a car, and recently moved into a winter rental by the beach. I’ve worked for UNH, Southern Maine Community College, and Cabela’s. I’ve written over 60 songs and am rewriting my first book, A Train Called Forgiveness.

We had no clue what to expect in Maine. But we faced uncertainty head on. Still, it’s not over. There’s more uncertainty. There is always uncertainty in life.

I’m still not certain how long I might keep my full-time job out West. I don’t know how I’ll pay my bills and insurance if I have to rely solely on my part-time work here. I’m not certain about my blood condition. I’m not certain that Annie will continue to thrive in Maine. Everything is uncertain.

My solution is to just keep pushing, to face uncertainty head on. That’s not only a way to be more successful in life, but it’s really all one can do. Let’s do this. It’s time for year two in Maine. It’s going to be alright. – dse

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