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May 6, 2025 62 mins

Have you ever felt trapped by the need for certainty in your life? Allison Carmen, a spiritual teacher, author, and podcaster, shares her journey from being addicted to certainty to embracing the power of "maybe."

Allison takes us through her early years, where anxiety and worry dominated her life. She recounts the pivotal moment when a simple Daoist story about a farmer and his horse opened her eyes to a new way of thinking that would change her life forever.

From Certainty Addiction to Embracing the Unknown

  • How Allison's need for certainty affected her daily life and relationships
  • The power of the word "maybe" in shifting perspective and reducing stress
  • Learning to find hope and possibility in life's uncertainties

Navigating Life's Unexpected Turns

  • Allison's experience of using her own teachings to cope with a sudden divorce
  • The importance of accepting what is while maintaining hope for the future
  • How embracing uncertainty can lead to personal growth and new opportunities

Cultivating a "Maybe" Mindset

  • Practical ways to incorporate "maybe" thinking into your daily life
  • The difference between using "maybe" as a tool and adopting it as a life perspective
  • How this mindset can help in making decisions and facing challenges

As you listen to this episode, consider:

  • In what areas of your life might you be clinging to certainty?
  • How could adopting a "maybe" mindset change your approach to stress and worry?
  • What possibilities might open up if you embraced uncertainty more fully?

This conversation reminds us that life's uncertainties can be a source of hope and potential rather than fear. Allison's journey offers practical insights for anyone looking to reduce anxiety and find more peace in the face of life's unknowns.

About Allison Carmen

Allison Carmen is an author, TEDx speaker, podcaster, business consultant, and CFO/General Counsel at the Motherhood Center of New York. She holds a B.A. in accounting, a J.D. in law, and a Master of Law in taxation. Allison’s books include The Gift of Maybe: Offering Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times and A Year Without Men: A Twelve Point Guide to Inspire and Empower Women. She also hosts the podcast 10 Minutes to Less Suffering, where she shares tools to help alleviate daily stress. Allison is a regular contributor to Psychology Today, The Daily Beast, and AARP and is a sought-after speaker and media guest.

Connect with Allison Carmen


Resources: To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to "The Life Shift" on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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