We dedicate this week's column to the hundreds of thousands of families and individuals on the East Coast who have been significantly impacted by the devastating damage left in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. Our hearts go out to those who have experienced disruption, flooding, loss of property and even loss of life.
While we are saddened by the far reaching effects, we are in awe of the great convergence of natural forces that produced such extremes. As is often the case, these kinds of events become very personal. We have family dispersed up and down the eastern seaboard, and we are so grateful for their safety. This particular week our niece, Jackie, a force of nature in her own right, planned to be married in Richmond, Virginia to Steven, the Love of Her Life.
The forecast became increasingly dire. And, we wondered and fretted.How would we all get there if air travel was shut down? And snow and debris covered the roadways? Would the hurricane destroy the Chapel? Would there be flooding? Would there be electricity?
Undaunted, the Bride remained optimistic that her wedding day would be perfect. "It will all work out," became her mantra. And, while the east coast was coming apart, Jackie never doubted for a single second that her wedding would be glorious, even if it should be different than planned. The Bride's outrageously positive outlook was contagious. Soon we all became believers that everything would work out. The Bride and Groom refused to plug in to all the dire predictions, and simply remained calm as they mentally prepared for various options.
Our half day plane trip became a 2 day road trip. And, a great road trip it was. We rediscovered many beautiful parts of the country along the way, and enjoyed each other's company. All other family members traveled safely and converged at the right place and just in time for all of the wedding events. The wedding celebration and family reunion was truly epic, just as the Bride had predicted.
As we reflect on the events of the past week, we are reminded of a couple of things.One, how important it is to have a plan. Two, how important it is to let go of your plan.
You see, being overly attached to Plan A may prevent us from seeing possibilities and opportunities in Plan B. We often remind ourselves to over prepare and then go with the flow.
My Mom, master of logistics and the greatest planner I know, expressed it like this. "It looks like all this turned out better than if we'd planned it that way."
As we remember all of the folks along the east coast who are picking up the pieces and putting together their plan B, C, D, or Z, we pray that in the grand scheme of things, it will all turn out better for them, in some completely unpredictable, unimaginable way.
Your Coaching Challenge, Should You Choose to Accept It:
Are you confronting challenges and obstacles that seem to be placing your best laid plans in jeopardy?
Might it be time to let go of Plan A and identify new options and strategies to reach your goal? Focusing on WHAT you want and WHY, letting go of HOW you think it should all unfold may be the best way to accelerate the achievement of that elusive goal.
