disruption, interruption, back in flow?

Today was a "snow day" - more like an "ice day" where I life.  School cancelled.  Kids celebrated.  Parents panicked.  (Okay, maybe they didn't panic, per se...or did they?) ;) 

As an adult, these days don't mean the same as they did as a youth.  For parents, they mean scrambling to rearrange schedules and childcare as well as revising expectations for what will get done and what will be delayed.  And without kids, well, they're nearly irrelevant unless you live in a place where the whole city shuts down.

As a youth, however, a "snow day" feels more freeing that skydiving before you pull a parachute (I'm imagining here, having never gone sky diving).  Certainly it exceeds the value of any other weekend or holiday...

An unexpected interruption of tests, assignments, and rushed schedules packed tighter than my kitchen junk drawer(s).  

The unexpected gift of disruption is harder to access as an adult.

This was the theme I heard this week in my conversations with clients - frustration, fatigue, and discouragement when unforeseen changes - tech problems, jet lag, food poisoning, or rescheduled work meetings - all just as uncontrollable as a major ice storm - derailed the anticipated flow of productivity.  

Yet, you, too, can benefit immensely from a schedule upset - a forced diversion from the regimented schedule and pre-programmed expectations of your day - a forced opportunity, perhaps, to slow down, re-evaluate priorities, talk to friends, or go sledding (okay - that may not be the adult version...or is it?)

While you certainly cannot change the weather, or a million other disruptions beyond your control, what can you do differently so that these deviations feel more like a "snow day" than a sign of impending failure?

Sometimes the little details and tasks of daily life get lost in the significance of the bigger causes.  

Other times, you're so consumed by the pressing items of the day, that it's hard to keep a pulse on the bigger causes and the purpose of all you're doing.

When you are connected to the bigger "why" in a way that guides your daily decisions and tasks, and your daily tasks include steps that support you in staying grounded in your larger calling...you feel the flow.  

And sometimes a forced deviation from plans creates a window through which to re-align, reflect, and rejuvenate...and be extra ready for that test a day later!  :)

The next time something unexpected disrupts your plans and schedule, how can you take the pause to reconnect to your priorities, remember what you're doing it all for, and recuperate your energy so that you're even more ready to maximize your impact without sacrificing your own well-being?

You matter.  You can make a difference.  I'm so thankful you're here.