cover image EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY: Breakthrough Methods for Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing the Unknown

EMBRACING UNCERTAINTY: Breakthrough Methods for Achieving Peace of Mind When Facing the Unknown

Susan Jeffers, . . St. Martin's, $24.95 (320pp) ISBN 978-0-312-30955-8

Jeffers, author of several books including Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, offers a program designed to help readers achieve greater peace of mind and optimism in today's troubled times. Jeffers believes that too many people spend needless energy and effort trying to control every aspect of their lives—career, health, finances, etc. Since no one can control the future, Jeffers encourages people to accept three major principles: "The only certainty is that life is uncertain"; "Once you surrender to the fact that you are unable to control the uncertainty, you will, at last, be able to breathe a sigh of relief"; and "A 'deep' acceptance that life is uncertain opens the door to a powerful way of living." Essentially, Jeffers wants people to be more optimistic and enjoy whatever is happening at the moment without excessively worrying about the future. Instead of playing the endless variation of "what ifs," people should focus on the positive aspects of their lives. She suggests people try to give back to others, which in turn will bring more love and positive events back to them. While readers looking for innovative strategies may be disappointed by Jeffers's somewhat simplistic suggestions like "Lighten up. Play with Life. Laugh a Lot," her comforting, no-blame tone may strike the right chord among those looking for a calming perspective in today's stressful world. (Mar.)