Oh, Now What?

“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”

— Oscar Wilde

It's important to have a strong vision of where you want your life to go if you want to get something done. Specific goals that can light your way forward are key. But even assuming you have all that, plus good basic habits, in place, what about when "life" happens? When the world lobs critical distractions your way, what do you do? 

For each of us, distractions might look different; something that for one person would barely register as a problem would be a game-changer for someone else. What's universal is that there is, no doubt, something that could derail your best-laid plans—and sometimes something does. The question of how you'll handle it can determine the course of your life...but no pressure! But seriously, knowing that these pivotal moments will occur, often when you least expect them, it's a good idea to think through how to prepare. 

Having a written list of your highest values will help a lot when you're confronted with impediments. Something disruptive has crossed your path, but how much of your attention will you give it? Is it for you, or is it something you will deflect back out of your experience? Is it calling you to hew to your highest values, rise to the occasion, stretch, and grow, even if it halts or slows the momentum of other projects? If so, it may be a valuable opportunity in disguise, and giving it your full attention might be the most appropriate choice. The choice of where to focus your energy at times like this can define your experience of whole chunks of your life, so whatever you decide, make sure you've done it after consideration, and consultation with both others your choice will affect, and people you trust to think through decisions with you.  Be sure to check to see whether your choice is ultimately in line with your values; this will help you to appreciate the life you're living and stay motivated throughout its ups and downs.

When you're at a crossroads, chances are that no decision will leave a beautifully clear and tidy aftermath. That's ok. You're looking for a decision that expresses the best of you and who you wish to become. We can envision an ideal future all we want, but any route we map out to get there will inevitably have to shift. Often, I think, having to reroute gives us the strength of broader experience than our straight, planned path would have afforded. It may even prove to be the catalyst for the manifestation of our own brand of genius. Sometimes the best results come  from a collision of forces interacting in ways we could never have foreseen.

Because change is often challenging and uncomfortable, we may live in dread of disruption. Depending on how much time we spend worrying, this can be a huge waste of energy, and very demoralizing as well. A better use of time and energy would be to use any worries that arise as signposts that point us to the preparation we could be doing, and doing the work of staying calm and healthy; this way, when challenges do show up, we'll be in a better position to meet them with our full reserves of creativity and resourcefulness. We'll know that we are as prepared as we could make ourselves for this important moment. Plus, taking even small actions feels better than being an immobilized ball of worry. Being as healthy as we can feels better than than giving up our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual conditions to circumstance and flailing around in confusion.

Life never really goes as planned. We can fight this principle or accept it and prepare for it as best we can. Which option you choose will change what is possible for you when the chips are down. This week, keep your eyes peeled for how you might begin to shore up worries and other energy drains with small, manageable actions. Remember that even in mitigating risk, you can find things to enjoy. Celebrate what's good about your health and readiness now, and what parts of your life are already beautiful. The present moment is, after all, the only place there is to feel enjoyment and satisfaction. The more you attune yourself to feeling good in each moment, the more you can do this even in the midst of disruption, which will help you emerge more quickly to the other side.