The “uns” Distract From Resiliency

Lately I have been talking with various friends about the “uns.”

Who are these seemingly extraterrestrial creatures, and where do they exist? The “uns” are everywhere, all around us, and even though you may not discern who they are by their physical attributes, surely you feel their presence because wherever the “uns” go they tend to leave a bitter aftertaste. Another thing about the “uns” is their instinctual finesse for buzz-killing!

More specifically, the “uns” are the uninspired, uncaring, unhinged, uninformed, unintentional, unhappy, and a large variety of other sorts of “uns” who, because of their own unhealed selves, attempt—and often succeed—in bringing the rest of us down. Instead of offering solutions, the “uns” find problems they deem to be unsolvable. The “uns” drown in negativity, and even if you throw them a life raft of hope, they may prefer to remain unaffected.

The greatest danger of the “uns” is not necessarily their negativity, but the amount of attention we give them. When we become preoccupied with their criticism, cynicism, or indifference, we risk losing sight of our own direction. We begin explaining ourselves rather than expressing ourselves. We spend time defending our dreams instead of pursuing them.

Life asks something different of us.

It asks us to remain resilient in the face of doubt, purposeful in the face of distraction, and committed to moving forward even when others cannot envision what we see. Every meaningful achievement, whether personal, creative, or professional, requires a willingness to continue despite the chorus of voices that say “why bother?”

The truth is that history is rarely shaped by the “uns.” It is shaped by those who choose to stay inspired, intentional, informed, hopeful, and engaged. Rather than allowing the “uns” to drain our energy, perhaps our task is simply to recognize them, wish them well, and keep walking toward what matters most.

After all, resilience grows when we stop giving the “uns” center stage and return our attention to purpose, possibility, and the work we are here to do.

Linda Joy Walder