The best laid plans…or a lesson in acceptance
I had plans for this weekend. I was going to hike a trail I’d never been on. I was going to participate in another sound bath. I was going to declutter the Christmas shelf in the storage room. I had plans for this weekend.
The Universe had other plans…like a lesson in acceptance and going with the flow.
The first sign that things wouldn’t go according to my plan came Friday afternoon. The air quite suddenly filled with thick smoke…the kind you can smell even indoors. News reports explained a shift in the airflow was pushing smoke from the California and Oregon fires into Utah. Parts of our state had the worst air quality in the entire world. And it wasn’t looking much better for the weekend. A hike was out of the question…unless I was willing to sacrifice my lungs. I wasn’t.
I did the responsible thing and scheduled an indoor workout at Orangetheory Fitness. At least they have air filters.
Saturday morning, just before leaving for said workout, I decided to check my to-do list…you know, prepare myself mentally for all the things I was still going to accomplish this weekend. The only problem? I was having trouble reading the to-do list. I knew immediately what the problem was…the aura that marks the beginning of a migraine. I literally dropped my notebook and ran for the Excedrin Migraine. The sooner I take them, the better they work.
I wasn’t in any pain yet, so I decided to go to my class anyway. With any luck the Excedrin would do its thing by the time I got there. If not, I could always leave. (Don’t worry…I could see well enough to drive safely. It’s only the fineprint that is problematic with the visual disturbance I experience.)
I arrived at the fitness center and completed my workout…although somewhat gingerly…without pain. The strange thing was, the minute I stopped…the headache hit. Coincidence? Blood flow? Endorphins? I’m not sure, but once the pain hit, all I wanted to do was get home, lie down, and cover my eyes.
The headache passed, but Saturday was pretty well shot. Or perhaps…if I’m practicing acceptance…not shot, just redirected. Saturday was now a rest and relaxation day. At least I still had my Sunday sound bath to look forward to.
You’ve probably guessed by now…that didn’t go according to plan either. It seems when I scheduled the appointment, I thought the event start time said 12:00 p.m. It actually said 2:00 p.m.
To make a long story short (or at least not quite so long)…2:00 didn’t work for me. My open window was 12 to 1. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement. After a few minutes of “Why me???!!!” I took a deep breath…accepted my fate…and went with the flow…which in this case, meant a yoga session appropriately called “Flow.”
I decided at the rate I was going, it was best not to even attempt the Christmas shelf decluttering. I didn’t want to risk somehow pissing Santa off.
Well that was definitely a disruption to the best laid plans. Life sometimes does that to us and we just have to go with the flow (like your yoga session!) Migraines are doozies for messing up the day (and then needing an extra day to recover) I’m impressed that you went ahead with the exercise class when you knew you had one lurking in the background – very brave!
Brave or crazy! I’m not sure I’d do it again. The class went pretty well, but the drive home was not fun. The migraine wasn’t horrible, because I did catch it early. Even still I did need the extra recovery day. I wonder why that is…what it is about a migraine of any intensity that really takes it out of you. Anyway, I’m glad it’s over. I hope all if well with you. Here’s to a happy, go-with-the-flow kind of week!
The pandemic has been an ongoing lesson for me in the art of not expecting plans to happen. I’m sorry about your migraine. That’s something that’ll stop you stat. Hope that this week is painfree. Ever onward, eh?
So true, Ally. The lesson continues…yesterday our computers were down at work. That’ll change your plans in a hurry. As you say, ever onward.
I really like the term “redirected”. I’m having to accept a bit of redirection right now as the Covid numbers in Florida skyrocket. I’m worried more about being a spreader (since the latest data suggests even vaccinated people can spread the delta variant), so I am back to social distancing, mask wearing, and no crowded indoor activities. Just when I had plans in place – bunko night, new philanthropic group meeting, dinner’s out. So, yes. Redirecting is a good word!
And glad to hear that the migraine wasn’t too bad. Hope the smoke cleared up as well.
COVID numbers are spreading here in Utah too, Pat, though not as quickly as Florida. I’ve pulled the masks back out as well. So far, we haven’t canceled any plans…we didn’t have many…but we have definitely altered our behavior to be on the safe side. The smoke is still hanging around, but it is starting to thin. I feel for those people whose lives have been turned upside down with their homes destroyed by fire. I hope you are staying safe and healthy. Take care!
Christie, sometimes the universe dictates a ‘redirection’ as you say. Sounds as if you handled it all with minimal disappointment, which speaks volumes regarding your positive attitude. As they say, no need to complain, it wouldn’t change things anyway.
Yes, Suzanne, you are absolutely right. Complaining only makes things worse in situations like this. It’s okay to feel disappointed, but there’s no sense in wallowing in that disappointment…even if I have to remind myself of that occasionally. I hope all is well with you. Take care.
Well you handled all that very well! I had to recently redirect as well. First I had been so looking forward to a few days at Flaming Gorge boating and fishing with friends, but then one of them got Covid. (She was vaccinated.) Next I had to cancel on our hike because of sciatica problems.
However, it rained a lot at the Gorge and they had boat problems. Then it was too smoky to hike anyway. Maybe the universe was just making me pause until it was better timing. I hope to still do both of these missed activities! And I’m glad your headache went away.?
It sounds like the universe had your best interests at heart, Cindy. Now you will appreciate your rescheduled activities twice as much! XO
Good decision on leaving the Christmas Shelf for another day.
I hope that you are feeling better and that the smoke has cleared.
Thank you Donna. I am feeling much better. The smoke is starting to thin. The experts are saying another couple of days. I can’t imagine being in the middle of that. I am grateful for firefighters and the dangerous work they do.
It seems like life has been all about redirection since Covid hit. Those who haven’t learned the art of flexibility are struggling. It sounds like you did as well as can be expected (even exercising knowing that you may be getting a migraine!). I get those auras too (usually from stress) but, fortunately, mine don’t come with pain.
That’s so true, Janis. Flexibility and resilience are the name of the game right now. I’ve never been able to figure out what causes a migraine for me. They come on suddenly with no trigger that I’ve been able to identify. Luckily, it’s not too often, and they typically aren’t too intense…not like I’ve seen in others. I hope your week goes as planned, or if not, is full of pleasant surprises. Enjoy!
It sure is a challenge and mildly annoying when our plans don’t go smoothly. Once we get over the initial irritation, I find it helpful if I can view it as a challenge to adapt. I feel for your community facing fires, and hope the nature Gods are forgiving!
Do you have an idea what triggers off those nasty migraines?
Hello Amanda and welcome! I agree 100 percent, if we can look at disappointments as a challenge or a lesson to learn, it helps a lot. I too feel for those who are directly in the paths of the fires. I have not yet been able to find any common denominator for my migraines. Luckily they are not too frequent and not nearly as severe as others I know who suffer debilitating migraines. Still, they are no fun, and I’m glad that one’s over.
Sweet friend, best laid plans, huh? I am sorry you suffer with migraines but glad you have tried and true ways of seeking relief. Crazy how you managed to keep it at bay throughout your workout but it hit once you stopped exercising. PC has begun experiencing migraines and ocular migraines. I have never been one to have headaches, thank goodness, but can imagine how a migraine would be all encompassing discomfort.
Your sound baths are so interesting to me. I think I would respond well to the soothing sounds. When we have massages, I try to focus on the scents, the sounds, the lighting and the touch. I always say a little prayer of gratitude for all of the ways massage is a treat to my senses.
Thanks Leslie. I’m sorry to hear PC has started having migraines. I hope he finds a resolution. Luckily mine are not as debilitating as some people’s. Still, it’s no fun. If you get a chance, I would recommend trying a sound bath. I believe you would enjoy it. I also love massages and the treat they offer for all of the senses. In fact, I’m ready for one now…too bad my next one is 10 days away. At least I have something to look forward to. I hope you have an enjoyable week!
I’m so sorry your days didn’t go anywhere near as planned, it’s so frustrating when you think you know what you are going to get done and then the universe steps in and stops you in your tracks!
We have been seeing footage of those fires on tv here in the UK and it is scary how fast they are moving, I hope they stay well away from where you live.
I have never heard of a sound bath and am now going to have to google it because it sounds like something you look forward to!
Thank you, Deb. Life teaches us we have to be flexible, doesn’t it? I will say the next weekend was lovely, so it balanced out for me. The wild fires seem to be getting worse every year in the western United States. It is scary indeed, but none too close to where I live. You should definitely check out sound baths. I have a post describing my first experience here: https://christiehawkes.com/what-is-a-sound-bath-a-first-timers-experience/ Thanks for stopping by. I hope you have a wonderful week.
Hoping things have eased for you Christie and the fires are no longer an issue for you, but we have been seeing them on the news here quite a bit. It is always interesting when plans don’t go to plan and I hope your Christmas shelf got sorted in the end!
Thanks Debbie. We still have some smoke, but not to the extent that we did when I wrote this post. My heart breaks for those who are more directly impacted. And I did get the Christmas shelf cleaned off and gave away some holiday platters I no longer use to someone who was happy to receive them. Win-win!