The Plan.
I’m learning a lot about myself lately.
Which, you know, can be a good thing or a bad thing.
One thing I’m learning–maybe not so much about myself, but about humans in general–is how quickly we forget the good things. How something so small can so greatly diminish all the big things.
Some not so great bad news came on Sunday, and I’m pretty upset about it. It’s not the worst news in the world, but it doesn’t go along with “the plan.” I’m a giant planner. Especially with the kind of lifestyle we have right now. It makes everything peaceful and less hectic. I’m not a crazy person–I don’t have every minute of the next five years planned–but generally speaking, I like to know what’s going to be happening and plan accordingly. It puts me at ease about our future, because we’ve taken the time to be responsible and plan for it. So when things like this happen, it makes me extremely anxious.
So anxious that maybe I forget some things for a second.
Maybe I forget how amazing it is to live somewhere I can lay by the pool while the rest of the country is covered in snow.
Maybe I forget how wonderful it is to curl up and start every morning with a cup of coffee and my puppy.
Maybe I forget how sweet it is to come home to someone who loves me every day.
Maybe I forget how freaking unbelievably blessed I am.
So screw the plan. But not really, because I need the plan. Life is good anyway.
Just because this circumstance isn’t good, doesn’t mean my life isn’t good.
So this week, I will focus a little less on how the unknown freaks me out, and a little more on what I know for sure: that life is incredibly good.
How do you deal with unexpected bad news?
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oh no! I hope your bad news turns good…..and you're right bad things have a tendency to snowball…unfortunately.
such a great message chelsea. i too am a planner and have major anxiety when everything isn't going exactly to plan {or even worse, when there isn't a plan!} and completely agree that it is so easy to get carried away by that anxiety and to loose sight of what really matters. thanks for the reminder to remember how truly blessed we are!
Love this quote!
http://www.offthenutshell.blogspot.com
I know it is easier said than done. Sending hugs and good thoughts your way!
Well, now that I'm pregnant, I deal with it by crying and then sleeping all day in recovery. j/k no kind of serious LOL Well, I have always had a really "NEXT" attitude where I'm onto the next idea, step, event where I can direct my energy to getting something I want. I have faith that everything works out really well with a pure heart/intentions.
I can so related to need to plan. Curve balls throw me for the biggest loop and often send me down into a panic…It is always difficult for me to surrender in those moments! thanks for being so honest and open and sharing you heart! xoxo
I am such a planner, too! Sometimes I catch myself getting really anxious or frustrated because things aren't going the way I'd planned, and it is definitely a reminder to step back and relax my mind from trying to be so controlling. I can totally relate to this post.
It depends on the situation, but I find that there is usually something that can be done right away when you get some bad news – whether it's addressing the problem directly, or doing something positive for yourself to take your mind off of it. Knowing that at least something has been done always makes me feel better! Hope everything turns out okay!
You are so right. Why is it so easy to forget the good? http://www.wearflowersinyourhair.com
It is so easy to forget the good. In those stressful times I try to repeat back to myself 5 things that I am really happy or grateful for, it helps to put things in perspective.
I can sympathize because one of my best friends is exactly like this but I am the least planny person of all time! But I think whenever something unexpected and unwanted pops up the best thing we can do is focus on the positive! Seems like you're doing that!! š
I definitely understand how you're feeling. Praying for you!! Remember, God is our anchor. It's hard wait for God's perfect plans sometimes!
I don't handle changes in plans well either. I hope things work out, girl! I do love this quote.
I need to do this, immediately. Today has been a cranky, no good kinda day and I need a reminder of what my blessings are. Thanks, friend;)
Ah yes! I am very much a planner too. You just need to take things in stride and thank God for everything that comes your way. Even something that doesn't seem so awesome. There is probably a teaching moment or something you should be thankful for within it. Just pray. Pray for strength. Pray for guidance. Pray for support. Everything will be ok.
http://www.agirlnamedkatie.com
I usually tend to sweat the small stuff! I am trying to be more relaxed about that small things! I get so much anxiety from them!
xo,
Jacqueline
stylininstlouis.com
I'm a planner too, so when things don't go the way I have planned, I'm a wreck most of the time. And, yes, don't screw the plan, because there's a reason you have it and want it and put thought into it. But roadblocks do happen. š I hope things look up!
I am a fly by the seat of my pants girl, but I still love to be in control, and it's always hard to let go and have someone else take the wheel, but it's pretty humbling too. To put your trust in the unknown can be scary, but worth it sometimes. I hope everything works out for you. Until then, snuggling with Gatsby will definitely help calm the nerves. Puppy snuggles always help.
This is so so great! Down to your writing style. I love it! I deal with anxiety when things don't go the way I anticipated, but when that happens it makes me rely on God that much more to trust in Him and His plan. Ps. totally jealous you are able to lay by the pool right now.
Wine usually helps! Just saying š
I love that quote and your outlook. Sending positive vibes your way ~+~+~>
Honestly I typically deal with unexpected bad news in a really disorganized, stressful, I'm freaking out way š So I don't have great advice… although I agree with Emily, wine definitely helps š Recently I've been trying to pray more when things don't go as planned. It helps ease the anxiety so much and I know I'm not alone!
Like you, I'm a big planner, so unexpected news, good or bad, freaks me out. Like Emily said, wine usually helps š
I know exactly how you feel when "the plan" gets messed up. I get anxious even when daily plans go awry. But God has taught me to be more flexible – and to trust that His plan is better than my own!
I am a giant planner, too, and am learning and relearning every day what it means to just let go and try and really LIVE in the present. (Easier said than done for said planner!) I read the following post from Happy Is A Choice last month and saved it in a "Reminders" folder in my inbox… I visit it frequently š http://choosehappychooselove.blogspot.com/2014/02/finding-contentment.html
My husband is a big planner and is always amazed/annoyed at how I just sail around through life with what I like to think of as a devil may care attitude, but I'm sure he sees as pure chaos. I could deal with more planning in my own life and have been trying to incorporate more thought into my days, so I can see how too much planning or a lack of planning can make people go crazy. I hope that you make it through the weekend even with the hiccup in your master plan.
HI! I'm sorry you're plans have been scuppered, I'm not a great believer in worrying when unexpected news hits, as I don't believe worrying makes it better or changes anything. We are in charge of our own lives and it's up to us to make stuff happen, even if we are a little diverted along the way xx
I am a creature of habit and I also love to have everything planned out. It would give me anxiety too to be thrown a curveball. I love that you're focusing on the good though which helps lessen the stress.
-Sharon
The Tiny Heart
I've been stressing over bad news lately too. it hasn't ruined my plans but it's making me hard to actually figure out my plans. if that makes any sense (since i'm being super vague ha). it's hard for me to just roll with it too but i'm trying to get better and just have faith that things will work out!
I am a huge planner, and run on a specific schedule. I think this post is SO true, just because something isn't right, doesn't mean it isn't "right"
you go girl!
I just wrote about something similar this week. Good for you for realizing that a situation may be bad, but life is good.
I'm a total planner, too- it's the staunch Capricorn in me. š
But it's good to remember the things that ARE going well during rougher times. And a puppy always helps! š
-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com
So sorry about your bad news, Chelsea. It is super trying when things don't go our way, or how we had envisioned them. Our life has been a lot like that… I think I do best with the unexpected when I turn my grumbling into gratitude, just like you've talked about here. Keep turning to Him and seeking joy in the midst of it!
I feel the need for a plan and knowing exactly what's going to happen. And honestly when it doesn't I just want to crawl into bed and hope the rest of the world magically goes away. But unfortunately, life isn't like that and I eventually have to face the real world… I'm wishing you the best though and hope you're able to regain a little more control sooner rather than later!
I can definitely relate. I have a hard time not thinking of all the bad things that COULD possibly happen… even when things are good! This is a great reminder. Thanks for sharing!
Getting news that throws all the plans you thought you had out of whack is hard to take. But seriously, it sounds like you gradually coming to accept the changes with grace and choose gratitude over bitterness, which is excellent!
I totally know how rough it is when things don't work out. I also know how tough it is when your trying to figure out what's next and it just doesn't seem to happen. I am sure that all will get better, you will figure it out and your planning will get back on track. Stay positive because you are too amazing not to!