There’s a lot of talk in the air of late as to “Plan B”. Maybe it’s a new buzz word, or perhaps it’s the reality that a lot of plan “A”s for 2008 (that didn’t pan out) left folks scrambling for plan “B”.
“Plan B isn’t necessarily a bad thing,” the older and much wiser woman reminded me as we lamented together on the phone. We had painfully watched a mutual friend be thrown under the bus by supposed colleagues of late and we both ached over the incident. But the Plan “B” for this beloved individual may be just what the doctor ordered. All the way around. In time, we will see.
Plan “A” is just that. A plan. It doesn’t mean it is the perfect plan. Or the permanent plan. It’s just the plan of choice for the moment. And the plan everyone, or someone, thought was the best way to go. Time, circumstances, and a multitude of factors can sometimes suddenly appear like an unsuspecting tidal wave that washes Plan “A” away in an instant. And those who are prepared with a Plan “B” land on their feet much quicker. Those who resigned to merely sit down and lament the loss are the ones that will be left in the dust. It’s always best to pick up, move on and rebuild. Not easy. But best.
I remember chatting with a friend last year about having a Plan “B” regarding a particular situation. She said it never crossed her mind to worry. And too, it just wasn’t necessary. Unfortunately, when her situation suddenly changed, she was shocked, angered and at a loss.
If you are a Plan “A” only kind of person, might I suggest you be open to having a Plan “B”. And for those of you being forced to a Plan “B”, be encouraged. It might just be the best thing that ever happened to you. Sometimes, it’s good for you to allow those who thrust Plan “B” upon you to get what they asked for. Only in doing so will you help them see perhaps what they needed to discover or uncover in the first place.
And too, if you believe in Providence, is there really ever a true Plan “B”? If you look at the situation with an appreciation for the Omnipotent, then Plan “B” might actually have been the Plan “A” you were ignoring, missed, or weren’t ready or in the right place for in order to make it happen.
So, here’s to all of the Plan “B”s out there. Go with it. “Make it work, people. Make it work,” as fashion guru Tim Gunn likes to say. And don’t forget, a back up plan is always a good thing. Be sure you get one in place. It never hurts. Because you never know when you might have to default to Plan “B”. And if you do, remember, it might be just what the doctor ordered.
S.