I need a plan — how about you?

As I look at the date on this article, I think, OMGoodness — it will be Christmas soon. The Hallmark channel has reruns of Christmas movies, and a store last week had a sign at the entrance: 174 days until Christmas. On this day of publication, it is 168 days until Dec. 25. UGH!

The older I get, the faster the years fly and the slower the days pass. Some days seem like three. I remember years ago I went fishing in Galveston. The boat left at 8:00 in the morning and would return to shore at noon. On this boat, I ate two breakfasts, took three naps, visited with strangers, fished, and threw bait to the seagulls. I thought it must be time to head back to land, but it was only 9:30 a.m. It was the longest day. Some of my present days take me back to that morning.

The term boring comes to mind, and I’m not fond of the word. If a student or client would tell me they were bored, I would usually say, “If you’re bored, that means you’re boring.”

Now, I have to eat my words and admit that if I don’t change my ways, I am boring, which is not working for me. I need a plan — how about you?

Plans are for the future, not the past. I’m stuck in the past, and that, too, is not working for me. I’m guessing it doesn’t work for you either.

Successful weight loss programs are an example of the value of a plan. If individuals stick to the plan, they successfully drop unwanted pounds.

I need to do the same — have a plan and follow it — then erase bored from each 24-hour gift.

I know living in the present is the best goal, but as I see it, if I don’t plan beyond right now, today is less likely to be positive and enjoyable. Like weight loss programs, if one is not following the plan, cheesecake and ice cream are likely to be enjoyed before the 10:00 news.

Maybe the present moment, the one I want to improve, has a better chance of fulfillment if I give it energy before it arrives?

I plan vacations, a time to find the top of my desk, and I check the fuel gauge to prevent running out of gas on a dark country road.

My future deserves the exact level of attention. Starting now, I promise to do something different each day, create new memories, and remember I still have things to accomplish.

It’s impossible not to think about the past, but if I fill my days with what I want and need, my future will not be boring, and I can look forward–even to Santa Clause.

Until the next time: Live while you live

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients… My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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