Saying Yes.
Last night, I had plans. There was something here in San Fran that I had my eye on doing, that I had already bought a ticket for and was planning on going to. It wasn’t a one time thing, but it was something that I’ve had on my calendar since before I even got here.
I didn’t make it.
But let me take a step back.
A friend and colleague of mine had passed along my name and number to a friend of hers out here, prompting us both that we should definitely get together. We made plans to get a coffee and chit chat – she’s into holistic healing/medicine, and also on the board of a local nonprofit. Seemed like we’d have a lot to talk about. About an hour before our meeting, she called me and asked me if I wanted to go to a fundraising event that night – her “date” had bailed.
Everything inside me told me to say no. I had plans for the night already. I didn’t know this woman. What was this event?
But, trusting the universe to lead me only into beautiful disasters, I said yes. I ran to a little resale shop and bought a smart little corduroy jacket, met up with my new friend, and away we went.
You know what? I had the most amazing time. This new friend, Paula, ran me into City Hall, where I checked out the rotunda. We went to this fabulous pool party fundraiser for homeless youth. At the event they were auctioning off the opportunity to “toss” famous people into the pool. It was MCed by Cindy Williams. (Laverne & Shirley). There were a bunch of half naked 49′ers. Some really interesting and amazing people.
I wasn’t supposed to go. I already had plans.
When you allow yourself to be open; to new influence, to new experience, to new energy – you always end up in a new place. With new people. Doing new things.
Wasn’t it John Lennon who said, “Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans”? The older I get, the more I find this to be true. And thank god, because it’s always infinitely more interesting than what I plan.
