Life has a way of really throwing you through the ringer. Hello, and welcome back to my thoughts as we plan for adventures. Winter presents a number of challenges. Weather changes, cold sinks in, and it makes for an excellent time to turn indoors. For those suffering from Restless Soul Syndrome, this can be an issue. This is why I am turning to planning in the winter.
I am a planner. Anyone you ask will tell you that. Plans give me a sense of purpose: it ensures in my brain that there is something to work toward, someone to hang out with, and something to look forward to. I grew up in the Boy Scouts, where the motto “Be Prepared” was so deeply drilled in my brain, it has become a part of who I am. For listening to me muse to this point, here is a picture of my Dad and I at Window Rock in Philmont, New Mexico when I was 16 years old. Weird looking kid right?
Here is the thing… plans are hard to make. Life hates them. The gods laugh at them. And frankly, plans will drive you insane if you stick to them to closely. For instance in this picture I planned to catch a big bass. Enough said right? There is an old saying that goes “Best laid plans never survive initial contact with the enemy.” Well. That is true. With as much time as I put into planning and logistics, you’d think my life would be smooth. Nope. Lesson plans go awry while I am teaching, equipment breaks on trips, weather changes at the exact wrong time, and sometimes the fish don’t bite.
So why do all this planning if things are going to change? Because plans are hopes for tomorrow. If I make a plan with you, it means I am hoping to spend time with you. If I plan to go somewhere or do something, it means that it is something worth doing or seeing. A plan will inevitably fall apart in one way or another. Sometimes that is big. Sometimes it is small. But no matter what, if it is worth doing, you will collect the pieces and try again. If something is important, you will adjust, adapt, and overcome. If someone is important, you will work a plan out that works for both of you.
So planning is messy. Plans frequently fall apart. It will make you want to rip your hair out when they do. But do it anyway, just plan. Adventuring wouldn’t be an adventure if the plans didn’t fall apart and you didn’t fall on your butt from time to time. Get up, dust off, and change the plans. If its important, get it done.
UnBEARable Adventures 
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