3 Months at a Time
Today I had my anticipated PET scan. I will have one every 3 months for the foreseeable future to monitor the relative health of my lungs. My last PET scan in April 2019 was clear of the cancerous nodules that invaded my left lung and left chest wall. The medication I started on February 1, 2019 was working and I’m pretty sure it still is. The PET scan helps my oncologist monitor it. This is great news and it also means that I will continue to be monitored to make sure that the benefits of the medication don’t outweigh the risks (i.e. kidney health/liver health). For now I still have lots of doctor’s appointments as I am prioritizing my total health and am hoping for a better shot at good quality of life for as long as possible. The attention my health and well-being demand has seriously impacted my availability to execute and plan on my designated administrative days. I long for an admin day that is not also a doctor visit day.
It’s Normal to Crave Certainty…You Just May Not Get It
These days I find myself in the precarious circumstance of running a business during a time of personal uncertainty. I know I am not the only one. Sometimes I feel stuck between what I want to do and what I think is possible. Almost every business owner craves certainty. We long for things like predictable and consistent income. We hope for few to no hiccups and uninterrupted work time. We want things to go smoothly and for all of our efforts to be met with a resounding “Yes” from our intended clients and audiences. Not only that…we want it to happen fast and with minimal effort. Planning during uncertain times means that despite your best efforts you may not be able to deliver. How can you put your full effort into planning for an endeavor when you don’t know if your health is going to fail; your loved one with special needs might go into crisis; your ailing family member might pass away; or the money you’ve set aside for a “rainy day” may run out before your incoming funds exceed your outgoing funds?
One Day at a Time
This is where the concept of one day at a time, one week at a time, or even one month at a time comes into play. The ability to move forward and plan when things are uncertain seems to rest on dedicating time to do a little bit at a time. When we are stuck, the worst part of it all is “doing nothing.” Procrastination is, generally speaking, a fear based response. The undertone seems to be marred with overwhelm and anxiety. Thoughts like “I don’t know where to start” and “There’s so much to do and no time to do it,” can keep us from executing our plans. The truth is those days, weeks and months are going to pass. The health concern, family concern or financial concern will often continue whether we are moving toward our desired outcomes or not. The difference being that if we don’t set aside a little bit of time regularly to develop a plan and execute it, we will live with regret alongside a growing sense of disappointment in ourselves.
Planning…a Path Forward
Each person knows their own potential. Sometimes we may be uncomfortable embracing that potential or speaking it, but nonetheless we know what is possible for ourselves. Planning is not a guarantee of success. However, planning roots us in the concepts and ideas of a path forward. Without a plan for a way forward, we are likely to remain stuck or we may find ourselves going in circles. A plan can start with learning what to do, when to do it and how. A plan involves scheduling time and executing during those designated times. It means setting limits so that you have some availability to your self and your business or other goals. Planning during uncertain times means that you accept the risks inherent with living. The truth is there are really no certain times. Things can change in your life and the lives of those near and dear to you in an instant. Making a commitment to yourself and your goals and interests can be a life vest and raft during a storm. It doesn’t stop the storm but it helps you to survive it. Sometimes survival means not losing yourself even as your very life is threatened.
You don’t have to have certainty to move forward. Just move!
Copyright © 2019 Ruby Blow. All rights reserved.
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