During a recent therapy session, a client shared a proverb that felt especially timely as we discussed the anxiety leading up to the election. It’s an old Chinese tale that speaks to uncertainty, and it seems to resonate now more than ever:
A farmer and his son had a beloved stallion who helped the family earn a living. One day, the horse ran away. Their neighbors exclaimed, “Your horse ran away—what terrible luck!” The farmer simply replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”
Days later, the horse returned, bringing several wild mares with him. “What great luck!” the neighbors said. Again, the farmer said, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”
Later, while trying to train one of the new horses, the farmer’s son fell and broke his leg. “What awful luck!” cried the villagers. The farmer’s response? “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”
Weeks later, soldiers came through the village to conscript young men for the army. Because of his broken leg, the farmer’s son was passed over. “How fortunate!” the neighbors said. And once again, the farmer replied, “Maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.”
The heart of this story reminds us: very few events can be judged in the moment as either wholly good or bad. Often, only time reveals what something truly meant.
In a world where uncertainty feels like the only constant—whether around elections, pandemics, or personal challenges—it can be grounding to hold a bit of space for the unknown. What feels hard today may eventually give rise to something more meaningful down the road.
Managing anxiety about the future is no small task. If you're struggling with uncertainty, consider exploring our services like individual counseling or online therapy, both of which offer supportive space for processing complex emotions.
You may also find comfort in these related reflections:
- Letting It All In: What Rumi’s 'The Guest House' Can Teach Us About Emotional Acceptance
- Unexpected Wisdom: Simple Phrases With Deep Meaning
- Your Surge Capacity Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel Awful
And if you're simply not sure what comes next for you, emotionally or otherwise—that’s okay. As the farmer wisely reminds us: maybe so, maybe not. We’ll see.