Monday, June 1, 2009

Plan? What Plan?

I am still in touch with my inner teeny-bopper. I was obsessed with the Twilight books and got a little giddy watching the preview for New Moon last night (ok, a lot giddy). I read all the Harry Potter books as soon as they came out and I am so excited the next movie is almost here. I watch all those CW shows like Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and 90210. And I still watch The Hills on MTV and I'm kind of sad Lauren (LC) is saying goodbye to it. But don't laugh because sometimes these teeny-bopper shows and books can offer up true wisdom in the most unexpected ways.

I was watching The Hills season finale I DVRed last night and Lauren was talking to her boss Kelly Cotrone about how she didn't really know what she was going to do next in her life. Kelly told her that some of the best times in her life were when she didn't know what she was going to do next, when she had no plan.

Right now I find myself in that situation. I have no real "plan". I keep trying to make a plan and figure out what is coming next. It's impossible though because things are so uncertain. But it feels good. It is like a crossroads where I can take a breather and figure out which path I want to go down next.

Another time I remember being at a crossroads like this with no real plan was after graduating college. I had been to interviews and applied to what felt like a million jobs, but I didn't know where life was going to take me. I ended up taking a job just to have something to do and make some money while I was searching for my "real" post-college job. But that job turned into my first "real" job. Within a few months I had worked my way upstairs to the marketing department and that jump-started my marketing career. I didn't plan it that way, it just kind of happened as opportunities presented themselves.

Then when I moved to Raleigh I ended up in a terrible job that lasted only a few weeks. But that job was what got me to move to Raleigh. I wouldn't have moved without a job.

Once that didn't work out I found myself again without a "plan". But that break pushed me to go to real estate school and get my license. Even though I had found a new marketing job before real estate school was even over, it's like it was meant to happen that way. I didn't plan it, but I had taken the classes and passed the state exam right before they changed the rules and required a lot more classroom time to get your license. I got in just under the wire.

Now I am here at a crossroads again. I don't know where life is going to take me next, but I am evaluating every opportunity as it presents itself and I can't wait to see where it takes me next. Something big is about to happen again and I can't wait to see what it is.

So next time you find yourself without a "plan", let go of your OCD and stop freaking out. Sometimes life has a way of taking you exactly where you need to be.

10 comments:

Optimistic Pessimist said...

Great uplifting post!

Pretty Unfamous said...

Life's definitely a roller coaster with all its ups and downs, but we always gotta remember that it's a fun ride, no matter what. Keep you head up, and things will be good!

Akirah said...

I was just thinking about this today. These thoughts are getting me thru my unemployment period. Idm sick of worrying all the time.

Jane said...

Amen to that! :-) I really admire your positive attitude. For me, letting go of all that fear and worry is one of the hardest things to do. I definitely see good things coming your way.

And don't feel bad about liking teeny-bopper shows. ;-) One of my favorites is Degrassi: Next Generation. Once upon a time when I actually had cable, I couldn't get enough of it! :-D

Katie said...

So true. Good post!

The Book Addict said...

Good for you, Suz! Your attitude is inspiring, thank you! :-)

Shoshanah said...

I am most definitely still in touch with my inner teeny-bopper too

Wani said...

First... I'm also totally psyched about New Moon coming out this fall!! When Twilight came out me and my other SAHM friends who were into it all went to the midnight showing... the theater was filled with hundreds of pre and teenage girls and then there were us late 20s, married, with kids... I felt so old. But it was so much fun to watch Twilight with so many people who were as excited as we were!
Also, this is such a great post. Its good to have a plan for your life but it should be a flexible one that allows for change and like you said, even the lack of a plan for awhile. Keep on keepin' on. Life is what happens while we're making other plans.

Kim said...

Great post! I love the last line. I'll try to let go of my OCD and do what I can to embrace the crossroads.

Anonymous said...

I watch those shows too. And rarely do I ever make plans (because something always comes along to change your plan). I didn't have a plan when I quit KDI, and I didn't have a plan when I called up a recruiter, but here I am happy as a clam! :) You'll be just fine as long as you keep that attitude. No need for any plans!

~Jennifer~