Clarity Vs. Certainty

Recently, I was talking with a friend about my last newsletter, and our conversation turned into a deep dive on the difference between clarity and certainty. I thought I might share those reflections with you today.

I often confuse the two—and I have a feeling I’m not alone. The dictionary gives us neat definitions: clarity is “the quality of being easily understood,” while certainty is “a state of mind in which one is free from doubt.” Helpful, yes—but words hold more than definitions. They carry symbolism, experience, and truth that can’t always be captured in a sentence.

Here’s how I’ve come to see them:

Clarity is like holding a packet of 100 flower seeds. I know they need to be planted if they are ever to bloom. I also know that not every seed will grow—some may never sprout, some may be lost to too much rain, too little sunlight, or something unexpected. Yet, with clarity, I plant anyway. It’s a leap of faith, a willingness to risk the unknown because I long to see what may blossom.

Certainty, on the other hand, would mean knowing exactly how many seeds will bloom, how they’ll look, and how long they’ll live. To be certain is to be sure. And I’m not sure that’s ever fully possible.

The universe rarely works in absolutes. What I do know is that I am blessed with the chance to plant again and again—learning, adjusting, growing. Most things in life don’t unfold perfectly the first time, and mistakes are often the soil where wisdom takes root.

So, while the dictionary may tell me one thing, my truth is this: clarity is enough. In fact, it may be the only thing I need to move forward.

With love and light,