Finding Strength in the Grey

We all long for certainty. We want clear answers, sharp lines, and obvious choices. But life isn’t made of black and white — it’s painted in shades of grey.

Learning to move forward without all the answers is one of the most powerful skills you can build.

Years ago, when I taught college audio engineering, I saw this lesson unfold in the recording studio. In our labs, we discussed microphones and speakers — devices called transducers that turn one type of energy into another. Students asked dozens of questions: "Which microphone is best for vocals?" "What’s the best mic for drums?"

Almost every time, our answer was the same: “It depends.”

It frustrated them. They wanted certainty. But we knew: there isn’t one microphone that's best for everything, just like there isn’t one vehicle that's perfect for everyone. A truck made for towing isn’t built for speed. A sports car can’t haul a boat.

And the same vocalist might choose a different microphone as they evolve — because even they change.

Life is no different. Situations shift. People grow. The right move today might not be right tomorrow.

The ones who thrive aren’t the ones clinging to absolutes — they’re the ones who navigate the grey.

They aren’t paralyzed by the unknown. They move forward with optimism. They don’t search for perfection; they search for improvement. And over time, those small improvements become extraordinary lives.

When you get comfortable in the grey, you open the door to growth, resilience, and possibility. You don’t need all the answers. You just need the courage to take the next step.