Planner or Spontaneous

Transition can cause us to feel disoriented, like we are walking in fog because of the uncertainties and the unknowns we encounter. We cannot see clearly to the other side and sometimes it’s even hard to see the next step. It can disrupt our routines and cause those who both plan and are spontaneous to become unraveled at the seams.

A spontaneous person is one who does not make plans or at least gives lots of room to be able to decide in the moment because they do not want to miss out on anything so have tendencies to be more impulsive in making decisions. It may seem like those who love and enjoy spontaneity have an easier time in transition because they like surprises, they are more carefree and risk takers, and yet, they too, can become more unsure and wobblier themselves. The anchors of certainty that once tethered them to be more spontaneous have come untethered in transition.

A planner is one who makes plans and schedules out their day, week, month, and year. They like to know what is coming up and not be taken by surprise. This gives them a sense of control over what is expected of them, and the rules to navigate their situation or circumstance. Transition can really rock a planners’ world as their anchors of control – routines, rules, and expectations go hurling out the door.

What would it look like to make space for both planning and spontaneity while in transition?

I believe it is a journey for each person in how to hold the tension between planning and spontaneity, especially if we are on either extreme of the continuum. If so, it may take time to learn to move closer to middle ground and how to hold a healthy tension between the two. You may need to be okay with making plans day by day or week by week and holding those plans loosely to give space for opportunities of spontaneity. You may need to identify what is your tipping point of spontaneity. It may simply be asking, “What is the next right thing?” Being anchored to God who is our constant known, and having both plans and spontaneity, helps us to navigate life’s transitions in a more wholesome way.

I would love to talk with you, if you desire to learn how to hold the tension between planning and spontaneity. Take your next step and Let's Chat.

Comments

January Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Winter Blast… Brr. It’s cold outside. Winter is not a favorite season for many people, but I love winter. There is a beauty in the dormant, snow covered, and coldness of winter that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our bones. It reminds me of the Lord’s love that embraces and permeates us to the depths of our heart and soul. The snow brings a smile to my face as I delight in the quietness, calming, beautifying, and a slower pace. Recently, I was talking with someone in Louisiana who was going to be making a snowman and snow angel with his granddaughter. What playfulness and awe to experience the Lord’s beauty. Community is so important to our lives that even the Lord noticed how alone Adam was in the garden that He made Eve. It is where you are seen, known, and find belonging. It has been something I have prayed for, asked you all to be praying for, have sought after in ...

March Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER Connect. Nurture. Grow. An unexpected and unplanned trip led me to see God’s marvelous and wonderful work at the Assist Pregnancy Center. I learned from the staff that this pregnancy center is unique and different in that the population they serve are women who come already with an 85-90% decision made of aborting their babies. The medical staff who are in the rooms with the women during their ultrasounds share Jesus with them and are compassionate witnesses to each baby as they are seen, valued, and loved. If the mother decides to have the baby the center walks alongside with the mother and family. I had the precious privilege to facilitate a training with all the staff of the pregnancy center to talk about the Wounds from the Work. Listening to their stories of how the Lord called them to work at this pregnancy center and what the cost has been to them, and their families was sacred ground. Creating a safe place for them to be seen and heard in thei...

October Newsletter

SHANNON’S CORNER The Saga Continues… The trip to Malaysia consisted of a two-day spiritual retreat with the theme of ‘Come Away With Me’ and a six-day conference with about 230 missionaries who serve in some aspect of translating the Scriptures. One of the many people who I met was a missionary who served in Cameroon for many years and now is in a new role. As he was sharing, most his words were very negative and depressive. I encouraged him to sign up for a time of prayer and care. At the end of the retreat, this missionary shared with me that he did have a session and I could see that his whole countenance changed, and he was hopeful. His new word he used to describe where he was now is ‘delightful.’ Our time there was creating a safe space for these missionaries to have a place to share what they are struggling with and to connect with Jesus. One missionary is at a crossroads in her life. Another finds himself in the midst of betrayal. A missionary is in a new role as a caregi...

Shannon's Corner

Search This Blog