It Wasn't Part of the Plan

"Life is what happens while you're making other plans."

I read this quote on a tea bag once when I was a teenager and in recent years have learned just how true it is.

I have always been a planner and like to think ahead. I get a great sense of satisfaction when everything works out according to my plan. Several times in my life, my planning skills have created many wonderful experiences for me.

As a teenager (see photo at age 15), I often wrote poetry and short stories and dreamed of becoming a writer. I even decided which company I would one day work for, even though others had basically told me to "dream on." One person even said: "Everyone wants to be a writer. It just doesn't happen." Well, for me it did. I set goals for myself, worked very hard and landed a writing job with the company I had always wanted to work for in my mid-20s. It was all part of my plan, and I was determined to make sure it happened!

My awesome planning skills also enabled my husband and me to have the perfect wedding 10 years ago. Everything was exactly how we dreamed it would be, and we wouldn't have changed a thing.

Of course, there were other times when things did not go according to my plan.

For instance, I had intended to have two children by the time I was 30. I later changed that goal to age 35. Now, as I am just months away from my 37th birthday, my plan has changed yet again. I hope to complete my family by age 40.

Am I disappointed that things turned out the way they did? Of course I am! I never expected to have such a difficult time starting a family. Even so, I am looking forward to the family we will one day create and know that when that day comes, I will be thankful -- and no plan is needed for that!