Ever feel stuck between hoping for the best and preparing for the worst? When you're facing medical uncertainty—or any kind of unknown outcome—that gap between hope and fear can feel exhausting. In this episode, we get real about what it's like to live in that uncomfortable in-between space, and share strategies for staying present when the future feels uncertain.

• [01:12] The Setup: Another Surgery, Another Unknown - Shannon shares the news that she needs a second shoulder surgery just weeks after getting out of her immobilizing brace
• [07:00] The Double Jeopardy of It All - Shannon reflects on the unfairness of facing another surgery so soon and her emotional journey from disbelief to acceptance
• [11:02] Making the Decision: Now or Later? - Shannon explains why she ultimately chose to have the surgery now rather than wait and live with uncertainty
• [14:50] The Practice of Coming Back to Now - Shannon shares how this experience is teaching her to come back to the present moment and enjoy what is
• [15:08] Janine's Small-Scale Uncertainty - Janine shares her own uncertainty about traveling during potential flight disruptions
• [18:30] Preparing What You Can, Then Letting Go - Both hosts discuss making contingency plans and then releasing the worry about what you can't control
• [21:30] The Irony of Shoulder Surgeries and This Podcast - Reflecting on how shoulder surgeries have repeatedly impacted the podcast's schedule

Uncertainty Comes in All Sizes (And It's All Valid)

Whether you're facing major surgery or travel plans during a government shutdown, uncertainty is uncomfortable. The scale doesn't matter—what matters is acknowledging that living in the unknown is hard, and giving yourself permission to feel all the feelings that come with it.

You Can Prepare for Multiple Futures Without Living in All of Them

When facing different possible outcomes, it's okay to mentally prepare for each scenario. Make your contingency plans, think through the what-ifs, and then practice letting go. You don't have to live in every possible future simultaneously—just prepare what you can and stay present.

Sometimes Facing the Unknown Is Better Than Living in Limbo

Shannon chose to have surgery now rather than rehab longer in uncertainty. Sometimes the discomfort of not knowing is worse than facing the thing itself. If you're stuck in an extended period of "maybe," consider whether taking action—even scary action—might bring relief.

Humor and Distraction Are Legitimate Coping Tools

The Great British Baking Show isn't just entertainment—it's a mental health strategy. When you're dealing with heavy uncertainty, give yourself permission to find comfort in whatever brings you peace, whether that's binge-watching TV, reading, or any other form of gentle distraction.

Staying Present Is a Practice, Not a Destination

You won't perfectly stay in the present moment when facing uncertainty—and that's okay. The goal isn't to never worry about the future, but to gently bring yourself back to now when you notice you've drifted into anxiety about what might happen.

Living in the gap between hope and fear is exhausting, but you don't have to do it perfectly. Identify one area of uncertainty in your life right now. What can you actually prepare for or control? Do that. Then practice letting go of the rest, even if just for today. Come back to the present moment as many times as you need to—that's not failure, that's the practice.

Listener Action: This week, when you catch...