Control and Why I Want It

Nature puts things in perspective. Global climate change (or the lack of it) aside, the recent snow event we had here brought up my desire for control. Nothing does that for me more than something I can do nothing about. I can react to it and make the best of it, but I can’t control it. That sounds ridiculous when you think about it. Why would anyone want to control the weather?

I don’t really; I have enough on my plate. What I really want to control are plans I’ve made which the weather may yet screw up. I like to to plan for a party for which I have to set a date so people can fit it into their schedule. For me, even three or four people, all with different schedules and plans, is difficult to handle. It’s like several moving targets trying to shoot at – several other moving targets.

Fortunately, there is something called a calendar. I should use mine more – and let others in on what’s on it, especially if I’m planning on inviting them to a party. The trouble is I’m a planner, and several people I know are last-minute people. Others I know are planners like me, and they resent the last-minute people. The last-minute people think the planners should just chill.

All this to say the only thing I can control are my own actions (planning, using my calendar) and reactions (being sensitive to other peoples’ styles). I’ll do what I can, and worry about it less. I’ll let you know how that’s coming.

What do you do to maintain control, and what are your issues surrounding it? Are you a planner, or are you more spontaneous? Post your comments here!

For further reading: Ten Rules For Being Human