Uncertainty and anxiety are not the same thing. Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome. Though we may conflate uncertainty and anxiety, anxiety is only one response to uncertainty. It may not be the best one. We cannot avoid uncertainty in life, yet we may learn to manage anxiety. As we begin a new year (with all of its uncertainty), let us pause to reflect on positive responses to uncertainty.

Rev. Ann Schranz served as the settled minister at Monte Vista Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Montclair, California, for nine years. Prior to that, she served as the interim minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Santa Cruz County in Aptos, California, for two years. Rev. Ann recently moved to Door County.