Jimmy Dean said,"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die tomorrow"
Mother Nature has a way of reminding us we aren't in charge, doesn't she? First Haiti and now Chile have 
felt her wrath with the horrendous earthquakes this year. It is a stark reminder of how impermanent our hold on reality is. Our US weather has also thrown us some curve balls this winter: Snowstorms and power outages can quickly render YOUR plans untenable-leaving you socked in, and unable to live life as usual. And, it's not just the weather. The economy and personal health issues can quickly change the best laid plans. Simply put, taking the future for granted, is risky business.
I read an interesting article yesterday comparing the physical impact of the 2 quakes. Chile had building codes that helped decrease the devastation and had the benefit of support systems to deal with this. I don't want to minimize in any way what they are going through there or in Haiti right now, but the difference between the preparedness and ability to be prepared probably saved a lot of lives in Chile. My love and empathy are with people in both countries. I do believe, though, we can always learn from all of the challenges in life and learning from another's lesson often saves some heartache. I know many of you are dealing with all of this in your own ways, whether it is the weather, your health or the economy.
How do you react when faced with having to go to Plan B? Do you have a Plan B?
Many people prefer not to think about or look at what could happen that could TOTALLY derail their plans. I certainly don't believe in dwelling here or awfulizing, but I do believe preparation for all eventualities is a very smart action.
At least once a year (when you do your business planning is a good time to review your Plan B's) take a look at a few areas:
•· What is Plan B if I got hurt of very sick this year?
•· What is Plan B if my income doesn't come from the projected sources?
•· What is my Plan B if my spouse or significant other dies?
•· What is my Plan B if an act of nature devastates my home?
•· What other areas of my life could be impacted by an unforeseen event?
At the end of this month, you should be doing your 1st quarter review...that might be a good time to address these issues, if you don't have an answer in place!
And, then hopefully, you can have a year where the gratitude of not having to need a Plan B unfolds with all you have dreamed, and planned!
This makes me remember....Back in the 70's when we lived the hippie life...there was a day when I was frustrated because the ants had figured a way through the gasket in the refrigerator and were into the food! It had ruined my morning, but then I had a chat with someone who had just gotten horrid health news and I realized if ants in the refrigerator were the worst problem I had...life was not too bad! Those earthquakes sure put things into perspective as well and have given me gratitude for all that I am enjoying daily!
By the way... My friend, Carra Riley's Cosmic Cowpie Book, has a wonderful chapter on Plan B. If you don't know of her, take a look at her group, Cosmic CowPie here on ActiveRain. I believe you'll find some wisdom mixed with a fun perspective!
Have a Marvelous Week! It IS up to you!!!!!
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