Sometimes when I’m stressed, wondering how we’re going to get to Colorado, or if we’re ever going to function semi-normally as a family, or how we’re buying groceries this week, Dan comforts me by saying “It’s just Step 2. Step 2 is like this. But then-- Step 3, honey!”
The thing about Step 2 is-- there IS no Step 2. Which is great for some people (and for gnomes), but not so hot for me.
My mind loves Step 2. It thrives on Step 2. It loves all the intricacies of passing from Step 1 to Step 3-- the planning, the details, the possibility. So to find my life in a place where ? sits in lieu of a legitimate course of action stretches the limits of my patience. Also, my sanity.
Then I found this quote from E.L Doctorow that changed my perspective. It’s actually about writing, but (like so many quotes about writing) it applies pretty well to life as a whole, especially if you’re a frustrated planner like me.
“Writing is like driving at night in the fog. You can only see as far as your headlights, but you can make the whole trip that way.”
Now when uncertainty sideswipes me, I take a deep breath and remember two things:
We’re in Step 2.
We can make the whole trip that way.
I love that quote. :)
ReplyDelete@Karen Yep, it's my new favorite. ;)
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