Expecting the unexpected
On our morning walk today, my dog Charley surprised me with an act of chivalry. See, Mom? I knew I brought him up well! You might be wondering how a dog can be chivalrous. Well, it finally rained–in fact, it’s been drizzling nonstop for a couple of days now.
We’d just climbed up a steep bike trail and I was panting as much as the dogs. We were walking in an area that does not have sidewalks, so the dogs usually hop up on the grass, and I walk on the street. (They know the rule: no dogs on the road!) Suddenly, Charles was tugging towards the middle of the street–there was a large puddle in my path, and he didn’t want me to get my feet wet I guess. It’s taken 12.5 years to see how much that little dog thinks of my comfort. As soon as we got past the puddle, he veered toward the grass again as though nothing had happened. What a good boy!
And that’s how I came up with the topic for today’s blog. Thanks, Char!
“To expect the unexpected shows a thoroughly modern intellect.”
A random Google search of “expect the unexpected” taught me that perhaps it was Oscar Wilde who coined this phrase. I also read an interesting and timely article that you might want to check out Why We Should Always Expect the Unexpected.
First, a confession
I am not good with names, don’t know who sings which song, but I will know most of the words if it comes on the radio, don’t know which name goes with which great literary tome unless I’ve personally read it. I know Justin Trudeau is our Prime Minister, but don’t ask me much more than that about political specifics. So, Oscar Wilde’s name rang a bell, but I had no idea what he was famous for. I will never forget again, though, because he’s the guy who wrote The Importance of Being Earnest, which I saw at the Persephone a few years ago. It was hilarious.
I have so much respect for witty people!
The Link Between Intellect and the Unexpected
I sort of got stuck on my point about Oscar Wilde, so I checked my inbox and this article was waiting for me: 11 Intelligence Traits that Mean You’re Smarter than the Average Bear
Thank goodness! It made me feel pretty good about myself since I possess most of the characteristics they attribute to intelligent people. I also realize that Oscar Wilde probably had these qualities as well. This means I have something in common with Oscar Wilde, and what more does one need to feel good about oneself?
These are my favourite of the eleven traits:
- You’re funny
- You are adaptive
- You’re a night owl
- You have anxiety
- You are always looking for more
Let’s focus on that last one for a minute…
Planning for the future
If you know me well, you know that I’ve always got a backup plan (i.e. I anticipate the unexpected). And usually a back up for the backup plan. Maybe that’s part of being a good teacher. Maybe that’s part of being my mother’s daughter. Wherever it comes from, I’m thankful because I realize that not everyone is great at being flexible.
Whenever you change something, it’s impossible to eliminate all of the unintended consequences. But the more you can anticipate the possibilities, and be ready to deal with them, the greater your chances of success. Ron Ashkenas, How to Expect the Unexpected
Although this third article focusses on business, it applies to all of us. Plan for the unexpected as much as you can. Thinking of options to your original plan ahead of time can save a lot of stress or disappointment down the road.
What’s next for you, Rach?
These days I am working on my life backup plan. What are my next steps? Where am I headed? I am trying to anticipate the possibilities of various paths. For now, I know that I’ve raised my son to be a good man and I’ve raised my dog to be chivalrous. I can teach pretty much anybody pretty much anything. I’ve come leaps and bounds with my writing and public speaking. My pottery is getting rounder, bigger and lighter. But there is always something more calling me–beckoning–I just need to figure out what that might be. Stay tuned…
Want to read more articles that ramble like this? Try these links 😉
Well Rachel you’re not only like your mom but your dear godmother always everything’s too. Uncle always tells me I have not faith I am always thinking what if and have to have second option in case lol. Good read as always.