What's In A Plan?

Here they go again: the days before an adventure.
The sorting, packing, stressing, browsing, wondering 'what will it be like?' and 'what will it not be like?' building expectations, figuring out logistics.
It's experiencing excitement one moment -- and bewilderment the next.  
We all have heard about that one research study that showed people are happier in the days LEADING to a vacation than the days of the actual vacation. Well, that study would look differently if I was one of its subjects. I spend so much time trying to be EFFICIENT in my preparation, that I forget to sit with open arms embracing the likelihood that things will go wrong. Because, you see, things always go wrong when there is a plan. Us planners tell ourselves that the plan is a structure that can give enormous freedom, but we forget to breathe and actually experience the freedom of the road. The freedom of travel. The magic of getting lost in faraway lands. The power in embracing that very notion. 

Truth is, if you travel with me - you will not think I plan. I do it subtly, efficiently, discreetly. I am so discreet I forget how much I plan. I fool myself as being the free spirited traveler that I'd like to think I am, but in truth - I try to put all the pieces together so when my puzzle collapses -- I will still be able to see the image hiding underneath the chaos. Oh, the things we do to regulate our inner madness.... 

And the plan? Oh, the vicious teasing plan. It sticks its tongue out in arrogance, reminding me of my addiction to it. Of my obsession to it. Of its hold on me. The plan will ditch me in a second, for a better planner. The plan is a lying cheating tease and even though I know that... it's SO HARD to let go of it. It's hard to laugh at its sadistic nature and let go of my need for a plan.
But if I can learn to hone in on the plan so I can DITCH THE PLAN -- then I can master my own journey, with open arms, with openness, and venture into the open skies.  

​It's time to ditch the plan.