When Planning Becomes A Problem | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

When Planning Becomes A Problem

On letting go when you're the person who plans it all.

16
When Planning Becomes A Problem
Self Love Beauty

I'm a planner. It isn't the most typical passion, but I find such joy and endless hours of entertainment by planning, may it be a party, my future wedding, vacations, and don't even get me started on the "5 Year Plan." Planning is why I excelled in student council activities, why I make a darn good pros and cons list, and why you definitely want me as your bridesmaid.

Here's the thing. I've been known to get ahead of myself, finding myself on Apartments.com, looking for future apartments that most certainly will not be available when the time actually comes for me to sign a lease. And no, I may not be engaged, but it can't hurt to check out how much Baby's Breath in bulk costs. And I know I can't be the only one stressed out over the homeowner's loan that will be under my name in roughly 10 years. I start the night out in my current state, but give me some time and my brain will be seven years ahead deciding on baby names.

The problem with focusing so much on the future and what is going to happen is that I have a very hard time living in the moment. One thing that I have never been is spontaneous. I have tried, trust me, but a spur of the moment, carefree lifestyle is not how I am wired. I still envy people who are able to be so easy going, and let life take them any way the wind might blow. By being so future oriented, I often miss the simple joy of being present in the current state of life.

I like that I always have a plan. It gives me a sense of control. The problem, I have come to know all too well, is that my plan and God's plan are rarely the same. And no matter how many to do lists I make or notes I take, I am never going to be the one in control. And for us planners, this is the hardest thing to accept. I would be lying if I said that I easily let go and give the steering wheel up to God. I've spent a lot of days fighting Him for direction over my life, not realizing that God is the one with the map. For someone who for so long has wanted to be spontaneous, I really struggle with happily letting my life take whatever course it is meant to take.

This is something to work on, and something I do not think I am alone on. I don't have the perfect advice on how to give control up to God, or how to be present in the moment, but I can say that the times I have let go, I have never been let down. When my plans have been shattered into a million pieces, I have always been led down a path even more fulfilling. Life is never going to go according to my plan, but I do believe there is a plan for my life, and I can't wait to see what it is.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter

It's not all morning coffees and singing along to the radio.

117
The Daily Struggles of Being a College Commuter
morethanwheels

I've been in college for four years now. I spent half my time as a commuter and half as a resident so I've experienced both sides of the housing spectrum. One thing I've learned comparing the two is that my struggles as a commuter far outweigh anything I went through while living on campus. Commuters have to deal with the problems school brings along with a slew of other issues; I've filled up my gas tank in the worst kind of weather conditions and napped in random places in public more times than I'm proud to say of. This is a list of some of the most challenging aspects of being a commuter.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times Michael Scott's Life Was Worse Than Your Life

Because have you ever had to endure grilling your foot on a George Foreman?

2870
Michael Scott
NBC

Most of the time, the world's (self-proclaimed) greatest boss is just that, the greatest. I mean, come on, he's Michael Freakin' Scott after all! But every once in a while, his life hits a bit of a speed bump. (or he actually hits Meredith...) So if you personally are struggling through a hard time, you know what they say: misery loves company! Here are 15 times Michael Scott's life was worse than your life:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

12 Midnight NYE: Fun Ideas!

This isn't just for the single Pringles out there either, folks

17269
Friends celebrating the New Years!
StableDiffusion

When the clock strikes twelve midnight on New Year's Eve, do you ever find yourself lost regarding what to do during that big moment? It's a very important moment. It is the first moment of the New Year, doesn't it seem like you should be doing something grand, something meaningful, something spontaneous? Sure, many decide to spend the moment on the lips of another, but what good is that? Take a look at these other suggestions on how to ring in the New Year that are much more spectacular and exciting than a simple little kiss.

Keep Reading...Show less
piano
Digital Trends

I am very serious about the Christmas season. It's one of my favorite things, and I love it all from gift-giving to baking to the decorations, but I especially love Christmas music. Here are 11 songs you should consider adding to your Christmas playlists.

Keep Reading...Show less
campus
CampusExplorer

New year, new semester, not the same old thing. This semester will be a semester to redeem all the mistakes made in the previous five months.

1. I will wake up (sorta) on time for class.

Let's face it, last semester you woke up with enough time to brush your teeth and get to class and even then you were about 10 minutes late and rollin' in with some pretty unfortunate bed head. This semester we will set our alarms, wake up with time to get ready, and get to class on time!

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments