“How could this have happened? We’ve planned for weeks and must drastically change the plans. Answer: “No surprise here. Things happen and it seems almost more so when you’ve invested time constructing the perfect agenda!” Sound familiar?
Whether it’s creating a travel itinerary, for example, or mapping a well thought-out meeting, unforeseen circumstances intercede. Such was the case a couple weeks ago when the Cyclone Bomb hit Denver forcing me and my co-facilitator to re-arrange pre-workshop preparations. Our only choice was to make adjustments and move forward: “It was what it was and it (was) just that.”(Safire Rose)
The best laid plans can go awry prompting last minute “Switcheroonies”! Disappointment, anxiety, and stress follow and suddenly we feel unprepared and exposed.
How might we deal with the unexpected?
Breathing required. Our breath is available anytime anywhere. Gently inhaling and exhaling keeps our attention in the present moment and not ruminating about the past or what might have been if plans were still intact.The simple act of breathing creates calm, allows our minds to settle and work with available options. Breathing required.
Over communicate with everyone. Often you’re not the only one affected when plans change. It’s important to be considerate of all team members and remember how we deal with the unexpected might vary from one person to the next. Living with the uncertainty is challenging. When rearranging details a conversation works better than sending a text.You want to be sure everyone is on the same page with updates.
Acceptance can be difficult, truly accepting whatever has changed regardless of past time investment or future impact. Showing compassion for yourself and others moves us towards acceptance. Compassion connects us to our shared humanity. Researcher and author, Kristen Neff reminds us that “with self-compassion we gives ourselves the same kindness and care that we’d give to a good friend.” Instead of clinging to difficult feelings, we can bring equanimity to our feelings and move towards corrective action. By offering compassion we’ll feel more motivated and inspire others to create and move forward with new plans.
It goes without saying that Last Minute Switcheroonies force us to be flexible and open to different scenarios. Despite inconvenience and loss, moving alongside life “like a leaf falling from a tree” is our best offense. Breathing, communicating and working through difficult emotions with compassion catapult change without much drama or stress. Bring on the unexpected! We’re ready!
