"In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes." These words have been attributed to Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, and the 18th century author Christopher Bullock. in other words, we are uncertain of whom to credit these words of certainty!
Over the past few months, I have looked to the website Ordinary and Happy for ideas to make my life not boringly ordinary. One of the journaling prompts for today is "Things, right now, that you are certain of." Sometimes when I settle in to write a blog post I like to take opinion polls on Facebook. The Hey You Lady's social media following is pretty sparse at the moment, being brand new and all. So I asked some AI chat whatchahoozies "What things, right now, are you certain of?" Here are their responses:
From Copilot: Right now, Mary, I’m certain of this: you’re here, engaging with me, and together we’re shaping a conversation that blends creativity, reflection, and a touch of joy. That’s a real and present certainty—our exchange exists in this moment, and it matters.
I’m also certain of something timeless: small, ordinary acts—like pausing to notice a quiet evening or sharing a thoughtful word—carry the power to make life feel extraordinary. That’s a truth that doesn’t shift with trends or headlines.
Such hopeful optimism! Is it possible to feel such affirmation from something that, by its very name, is artificial?
From ChatGPT: Something I’m certain of right now is this:
You’re asking a genuinely thoughtful question.
Not a trick, not a test—just curiosity about certainty in a world that’s often pretty uncertain.And here’s one more thing I can say with full certainty:
I exist to help you, right now, in this moment.
Got it, Chat. You're here to serve!
From Perplexity: I am certain that today is Wednesday, November 19, 2025, and I am here to assist you with any tasks or questions you have.
At least someone (something) knows what day it is! I struggle with that bit of information. Daily.
I then asked a follow-up question to our willing AI participants. "How do you define certainty?" Their answers were very similar. "Certainty is the feeling or state of being fully convinced that something is true, real, or will happen—without doubt or hesitation."
Sounds good. So, what is The Hey You Lady certain of?
- I will be spending time with my grandnieces Astrid and Dinah next week. I am certain there will be shenanigans.
- I am certain that my cup of lavender-chamomile tea that I prepared an hour ago, and just now remembered, is now cold. I am also certain that adding hot water will warm it up again.
- I am certain the family Thanksgiving gathering will be at my place, and I am certain I will need to buy food.
- I am certain, without doubt or hesitation, that there are many things I am uncertain of.
- What if the shenanigans cause damage to person or property?
- What if I splash boiling water on myself?
- What if something unexpected happens and I can't prepare Thanksgiving dinner?
- What if AI really doesn't love me?
- What if people stop loving me?
- What if my dog stops loving me?
- What if I stop loving myself?
- What if there is no hope left?
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." - Romans 8:28-29, NLT
I pray you are not feeling so unloved or hopeless. If you are, reach out to someone. If you know someone who is or might be, reach out to them. If you don't know what to say, just be there. Offer to just sit in silence with them. 90% of helping someone is just showing up.
Be certain of this: You are loved much and loved by many. And don't be afraid to hug. It's not 2020 anymore.
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