The retirement community where my parents-in-law live requires them to create (and annually update) a “plan of action” that outlines what will happen if there is a sudden and significant change in either partner’s health.  It goes way beyond “Who should we call in case of an emergency?” and residents are supported by the services of a social worker in writing it.  Of course, as Planner Girl, I think it’s brilliant.

And I am truly blessed by a well organized father-in-law who takes this all very seriously and keeps his children informed and involved.

You would expect that working through worst-case scenarios would be the more difficult task – emotionally and otherwise.  But in this year’s update, what had gone unaddressed was their present quality of life.  Without a crisis to prompt the question, it had not occurred to anyone to ask about the tools that would would make their lives easier and more enjoyable now. [This has since been remedied.]

I’m all for being prepared, but one of the pitfalls of planning is a gaze focused too far in the future (either in anticipation of good or forestalling of the bad).

Plan, but enjoy the here and now to the fullest extent you are able.  As Lennon reminded us, life is what happens while you’re making other plans.  Don’t miss out on the fun.

Related posts:

1. Lessons Learned #8 – One Way to Keep Bad Stuff from Happening
2. Introducing The "Business Manual" Category
3. Marco! Polo!
4. What's Normal?
5. Do Over!