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Student Life

Over-Planning Is Ruining Your Life

"Life is what happens to us while we are making other plans."- Allen Saunders

Sarah Doty
May 30, 2017
University of Mississippi
127
Over-Planning Is Ruining Your Life
Sarah Doty

Come one come all, sit down, take a second and lets have a life chat. Why are we all trying to plan our lives away? I find myself trying to look forward to what is next instead of just slowing down and enjoying the time in my life that is happening right now. I catch myself lost when plans change, and by plans I mean BIG plans like your future goals and dreams.

I actually pride myself in planning things down to the last detail. I really began my list making and planning in college when I was attempting to get better grades and stay on top of academics, but in the larger parts of my life I have always tried to plan out where I will be, who will be there, what I will be doing, and for how long. Fortunately my plans are usually incredibly wrong.

So for all of those who have had their plans wrecked, there is a reason these things happen. Whether it's divine intervention, or even just luck, every time it feels like things are falling apart they really just fall together. When things are uncomfortable because you don't know what will happen, find comfort in the fact that life is all about what you do when you're uncomfortable. When you step away from preconceived plans, then you can really step back and decide, "Is this really what I wanted?"

To all those pulling at the reigns, ready for the future then SLOW DOWN. The future will be here before you know it.Ecclesiastes 3 says:

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing..."

The verse to me shows that theres a reason your life is the way it is. There is a purpose for you to be where you are, and if you aren't living in the present then what is the purpose? Will you just continue rushing through your life ready for the next season?

While it's impossible to stop ourselves from planning, it is possible to stop letting it run our lives. Whether you're lost because your plans have changed or you're anxious to begin a new chapter in your life, know that life is so much more than just a plan. So put down the lists and calendars and just try to enjoy where you are and where life takes you.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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