I read the comment below on another blog and it stopped me in my tracks. How freeing and wonderful to realize for yourself that even if your plans don’t result in the desired outcome, it doesn’t mean you are a failure and incapable of success and happiness. Like the commenter below, I make plans and lists, set goals and move toward them but I do believe that I am still a whole person, regardless of whether I ever 1) see the Great Wall of China B) have a natural childbirth 4d) become a working actor. What lovely inspiration and reassurance for all of us who struggle with this particular issue!

In therapy the other day, we ended up talking about what it means to be “mature.” For me, this ended up centering around what it means to have plans for your life and then NOT have them come to fruition.

How liberating it has been to see that this is not necessarily the case! I can make plans, sure, they help me decide what to do next. But should that plan not unfold in the way I expect, I find that I am now able not only to accept that…but to actually enjoy the ride.