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Stumbles, roadblocks, and hiccups are the foibles of planning - yet they make the journey intriguing. This has certainly been true for me.
This week, 10 years ago, I clicked the buttons, wrote the paragraphs, paid the fees, and made the Center for Babywearing Studies an official business. It took 6 months before I taught my first course. So this week is a 'technical 10-year-anniversary.
The original 'dream' was different than the business I started. The company I started quickly morphed into something other than I imagined. Ah-ha! I see a trend!
Were the original dream and new business plan a waste of my time? No. Those two things allowed me to move forward with intention and work toward my larger goal - all babies carried. When I encountered a hiccup or stumbled - the dream and plan were there for me to lean on and adjust as needed. When I needed to prioritize something else like my family, the plans allowed me to enjoy the moment as I knew what to do when I returned to work.
I think this is normal. Most people I know start somewhere. They have a plan or path they believe they will follow only for life to offer a curveball or a short-term side-track. Accepting this as truth doesn't mean to stop planning! It means to have goals that align with your internal motivations and personal beliefs.
"Life happens on the way to the goal."
I read a similar quote once, and it significantly impacted me. It's a reminder to enjoy the day-to-day moments while also striving to achieve my larger goal.
How are you doing on that front?
Today happens to be my husband's birthday and the end of winter break for the family. We are celebrating together. First is a brunch outing at Layali Latina, followed by a walk to our favorite pastry shop Gian Piero. We will end with my husband opening a few gifts and then a rousing stint of Super Mario Party and Wii bowling (a long-standing family battle, lol). Life is happening right now - here today for my family. These are the moments my kids will remember and cherish later. For that matter, so will I.
Tomorrow, I will pick up the plan for the next 10 years.
Well, not really, lol. 10 years is too far away and vague for me to focus on that as the endpoint. I do have ideas about what I want - for myself and CBWS - in 10 years, but I see the roadmap differently now - as a series of fun and exciting short trips where I am free to explore side roads, pause and take in the scenery, and move forward as I go. Not a race, but a life with purpose and enjoyment.
As the 10th anniversary came upon me - a naturally reflective moment - was the following, and perhaps it will be helpful for you too:
"It's ok to let go of what no longer serves you. It is also ok to say goodbye to what has never worked - no matter how much you wanted it."
You will find me adopting this new sentiment over the next year. It is time to let go of some things and embrace new people, topics, and paths.
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