I have learned to be organized—probably part of it is inherent in my personality, but certainly the biggest chunk of it has come from life experiences, particularly those of being a single parent. I remember that I was able to do things much more “last minute” when I was young and before I had kids. When I was first married, I also thought that since there were two of us, I would have someone to “share the load” with. I quickly learned that instead of that 50/50 fantasy, I was really planning and organizing for two. With single parenthood, advance planning became my middle name (or names). Even allowing for disasters and difficulties, I still cling to advance planning and the farther out I can plan—the better.
So, I confess, I am someone who purchases airline tickets as early as is safe, I like to know if there are any big dinners or events that I need to go to weeks in advance, if possible. When it comes to doctors and dentists—I am one of those who makes appointments for the NEXT time while I am ending a current appointment. None of these were traits I ever thought I would have until I had spent a year or two as a single parent. Now I know that advance planning and getting things written down on the calendar is a life-saver.
You would think that I am a rigid sort with an inability to roll with life’s chaos—that is not the way it is. Instead, I’ve found that having a plan makes it POSSIBLE for me to be able to roll with all the changes and chaos. If I know I’ve got my bills scheduled to be paid on automatic bill pay, my vacations planned, the appointments scheduled—then I know I can relax a little and deal with all those pesky details that come up in a day or week or month. Single parenting has totally turned me into an advance planning fiend!
Also: Self-Care Can Be in the Details
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