For the seasons when the world feels unpredictable
There are a lot of planners out there in the world. Are you one of them?
There’s a whole spectrum between those who plan every detail and those who fly by the seat of their pants. Personally, I’ve always been grateful for the planners in my life—the ones who book the restaurant, organize the birthday trip, and coordinate everyone’s calendars. I’m a bit of a planner myself, especially when it comes to travel. I’ve been known to create full travel binders, complete with insurance info, tickets, local history, and embassy numbers. It brings me joy!
But even the most meticulous planner can feel unmoored when the world becomes unpredictable.
Whether it’s a global pandemic, political instability, climate events, or economic shifts—times of uncertainty can shake our sense of control. If you’re someone who finds comfort in planning ahead, these times can feel especially hard. And while there’s nothing wrong with loving structure, rigidly gripping onto plans during uncertainty can sometimes increase our suffering.
Here are a few ways to support your nervous system and gently soften your grip when the future feels foggy:
1. Shift Your Planning Window
Try narrowing your focus to just the day ahead—or even the next few hours. Micro-planning like this can still provide a sense of stability and accomplishment, without relying on future conditions you can’t control. Planning the present can feel empowering, while trying to plan the unknowable future can drain your energy.
2. Interrupt Assumptions
When our minds spiral into “what ifs,” we’re often working from fear-based assumptions. You don’t have a crystal ball—so try not to speak to yourself as if you do. That doesn’t mean you can’t be thoughtful or prepared. But notice if you’re pinning your present peace on a future outcome. Sometimes, easing suffering means catching yourself mid-thought and gently saying: “I actually don’t know how this will unfold—and that’s okay.”
3. Hold Space for the Unknown
This might look like saying: “I don’t know how this will turn out, but I trust I’ll meet the moment when it comes.” Holding space for uncertainty doesn’t mean you’re giving up. It means you’re opening to more flexible, compassionate ways of moving forward. When you believe in your ability to adapt, you don’t need the future to be perfectly mapped out.
4. Deepen Present-Moment Connection
Instead of jumping ahead in your mind, drop into your body. What helps you feel grounded and alive right now? Maybe it’s going for a walk, journaling, meditating, or connecting with a friend. When you feel connected to yourself and the people you love, you don’t need future plans to give you a sense of purpose or joy—you’re already in it.
5. Slow Down and Savour Future Possibilities
Do you miss travel? Dreaming of big life changes? You don’t need a set date to start enjoying the vision. Take a virtual tour of a museum you’d like to visit, learn a few words in a new language, or start a Pinterest board for your dream trip. Just because the “when” is unknown doesn’t mean the joy of imagining has to wait.
6. Reflect on Your Planning Style
Grab a pen and reflect:
- Does planning far in advance actually enhance your life—or increase your stress?
- Are there areas where more spontaneity might feel good?
- Can you trust that some of life’s best moments might arrive unannounced?
As John Lennon said: “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.”
And Paulo Coelho reminds us: “We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.”
Let the Unexpected In
The truth is, the future is always uncertain—we just forget that when life feels predictable. Let this be a gentle invitation to loosen your grip, just a little. To hold your plans lightly, stay rooted in the present, and allow room for surprise.
Because I’d be willing to bet—something beautiful and unexpected is coming your way.
Let me know what landed with you, or what you’d love to see in future blog posts. I’m cheering you on 🙋🏻♀️
Comments