I take time every morning to map out my day. One of the first things I do when i arrive at work is to write down the things I want to accomplish for the day. First I write it down my desk calendar.  Then I duplicate the list and add a few more items in my personal planner.

By the time 7:00am rolls around, i have generally created a mental picture of what i want my day to look like.  On really good days, I’ve completed one or two of the tasks on my list.

Monday, I tried really hard to follow my map.  I was successful in completing most of what i wanted to do, but a few things fell through the cracks.  I tried not to beat myself up over those few minor things.  The day went pretty much how i expected it to goThen came Tuesday morning.  I was planning to ride the wave of productivity one more day.  I even tried to get a jumpstart on the day, by planning during my morning commute.  I had even planned what music i would listen to for the day.

And then I got hit with a minor roadblock.  Then another.  Then a third.  And before 8:00am, the day i had planned for myself had become completely unrecognizable.  Even the playlist i setup for myself no longer fit the motif for the day.  I didn’t let the changes in the landscape keep me from my destination.

I had been detoured, but not deterred.

My destination was certain.  My itinerary was not.

The  road of life is different for each of us.  I am certain that very few of us have lived on a continuously straight path. Coasting downhill generally happens after an uphill battle.  There are starts and stops, twists and turns, and periods of feeling like we’re not moving at all.   And almost all of us will face an unexpected change in our route.

In this ever-changing landscape, i pray that we enjoy our individual journeys, and arrive at our destinations safely.  And for goodness’ and time’s sakes, follow the signs!!

Mama Radford