It coulda been a disaster, and a few years ago I would have panicked for sure! I’ve come a long way.
You see, it’s been two years since I’ve been able to put my toes in the sand and soak up some sun while surrounded by some of my favorite ladies on earth.
Two years. (Well, last year I attended virtually. I had the sun, but not the ocean or sand.)
Seems like an eternity, since being near the ocean (especially with the sun shining) is truly my happy place.
So, I guess I’m excited.
For three days, I’ve been preparing. Working on dinner menus with my fabulous chef (aka hubby) so he’s not the only one here trying to finish up all the leftovers. That’s my job, since leftovers are my favorite breakfast. But, I digress.
Once we planned out the menu for the days leading up to Thursday when I was headed off to sand and sun, I started packing. I travel fairly light, so I spend some time making sure I have what I need and not much more. My days of packing 3 or 4 pairs of shoes are long gone. I want to be able to get the suitcase into the overhead bin without looking like a total wimp.
Easter Sunday was a beautiful day, so I settled in on the deck to soak up some sun and have my weekly staff meeting with myself. It’s when I look at my monthly calendar and major projects and I transfer the upcoming events to my weekly calendar.
Thank goodness it’s a habit I started two years ago and one I rarely miss.
If I had missed it this week, there could have been a disaster.
As I started mapping out my week, some things seemed “off.” Why would my business coach schedule her office hours for Thursday? She should already be at the retreat, and would most certainly be busy getting everything ready. (She’s like that. I don’t know where she gets her energy.)
And, where were all the other meetings I knew I had leading up to Thursday when I was headed off to the beach?
See where I’m going with this?
Yep, you guessed it. I was a week off!
I wasn’t leaving for the beach this Thursday, it’s next Thursday! Yes, I have the retreat on my calendar for the correct dates, so I have no idea why I had it in my head it was this week. And, just in case you were going to ask…yes, I checked my airline tickets and they are also for the correct dates.
A few years ago, I would have had a panic attack. Sunday, all I could do was laugh. I’ve come a long way in managing my mind, thoughts, and emotions. It has made all the difference in the world.
Now we’re back to the original menu (so I have leftovers, of course). I’m already packed (hope things don’t get too wrinkled). I have to admit to my sister-in-law, who said she thought I was leaving next week, that I was wrong when I said, “No, it’s this Thursday.”
And, now I must wait a week.
Can you imagine if I had driven two hours to the airport only to find out I was a week early? Oh my. I still don’t think I’d have one of the meltdowns I used to have. But, seriously…even though it would have been a waste of time and resources, hopefully, I’d still be able to laugh.
It would be easy to say I’m getting old, and oh my goodness, what if I’m losing it! I’m pretty sure it’s not that. I think I was just so excited about the trip, my inner fun-loving child kicked in. Yep, that’s my story and I’m sure as heck gonna stick to it.
So, yes, my weekly staff meeting of one saved me from myself. They have saved me in the past, but nothing like this. I’m still chuckling about it.
Have you ever done anything like that? How did you handle it?
If you want more ideas on how to navigate hiccups (or major curve balls), grab my book “Your Next Chapter. Dream It. Design It. Live It.” on Amazon or my website. I want to give you the tools you need to go from feeling out of control to navigating life’s events (big or small) with grace and confidence.
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