Planning Is Good But Letting Life Happen Can Be Better

Do you micro-manage your life? Planning is good, but letting life happen can be better. There is something so freeing when you let yourself go with the flow.

Having been through a breast cancer battle, I know what it is like to have to go with the flow. I had no control over anything. Planning was limited to doctor visits and treatments. I was afraid to plan for fear that I might not have a future—scary times.

Now that I have been in remission for five years, I can plan again. But I do not want to. I have learned that letting life happen is my choice, and I find it freeing and exciting!

Planning is Good

We went on mystery rides when the kids were young. I would ask them to pick a letter from the alphabet and then drive to a town that began with that letter. We’d find the downtown area and walk around. Ice cream often played a role in the adventure! It was random, fun, and gave us something to do for a couple of hours.

I’d love to do this again one day with the hubby. We could pack some drinks and apps and start driving. Who knows what we might uncover! Some ice cream, I hope.

Have you ever planned an evening with friends and at the last minute had to rearrange everything? Did it wind up being a great time? Impromptu can be fantastic, but we tend to want to plan out every detail of our day. Why is that?

Can you go with the flow? How easy is it for you to handle change? Have you been letting life happen? That phrase can be construed as harmful. We are encouraged to take control of our lives. Letting life happen is a sign of laziness; we need to seize the day!

Here’s an excellent article describing the top ten reasons you should allow yourself to go with the flow. https://www.minimalismmadesimple.com/home/go-with-the-flow/.

Please do not think I advocate throwing caution to the wind and ignoring all responsibilities. There will always be something you need to do for yourself or your family that requires scheduling. That should not change. However, I encourage you to go with the flow in your free time!

Last weekend, we spent a lovely day with my brother and sister-in-law at their new home on the North Fork of Long Island. Their place is within walking distance of the beach in Cutchogue, NY. Since we spent all day Saturday with them, we planned to do chores on Sunday. The chore list was long!

My husband’s brother called us on Saturday night to invite us to his house Sunday afternoon. He had asked another couple who had already accepted, and the plan was to go out to lunch. The old me would have gracefully declined and stayed home to work on the chore list. However, the new me said, “let’s go.” The number of dust bunnies left behind was enormous; not something I would have ever done pre-cancer.

Letting Life Happen

Ironically, we were heading right back to the North Fork of Long Island – Jamesport, NY. We ate lunch at a beautiful place on the water in the company of dear friends. The food was incredible! We stopped in at one of the wineries that had a “Live Music Today” sign outside on the way home. It was a nine-piece band with a horn section. Score!

We had a fun time dancing on a Sunday afternoon with good friends. Even though many chores were waiting, the hubby and I chose to let life happen and take another road trip. I cannot express how happy this made me – all because I let myself go with the flow.

Going With the Flow Makes You Calmer

As I get older, I am more conscious that the path in front of me is significantly shorter than the one behind me. I made it through Sepsis, so I think I am qualified to say time is not guaranteed. That is why I am making an effort to go with the flow more often.

I am calmer since I’ve made this decision. So what if I don’t have an itinerary! Who knows what exhilarating adventure the day may bring? It feels good to relinquish control. Do you ever do it? How does it make you feel?

This breast cancer journey has taught me so many things! I am happy one of them was that the dust will still be there tomorrow.

Anyone up for a road trip?

If I have said anything that resonated with you, kindly leave me a comment below.