Hey everyone, it's Rosie. Welcome to Radio Headspace and to Thursday.

So last week, I mentioned that I have a strict bedtime routine, morning routine, and

a daytime routine too. I love a schedule and I rarely leave space for spontaneity.

And the other day, I was meticulously planning out projects, fitting in time to write, and

scheduling everything else like a never-ending puzzle. And I realized that everything I've

created has never really come out exactly how I envisioned it. Sometimes it's better,

sometimes it's worse. But this has shown me how to be flexible.

Now I know that switching a plans can bring on a lot of anxiety for people, and I get it.

It's no fun when you spend all this time making sure things go a certain way. But consider

what it would be like to actually free yourself from the stress of a perfect plan.

Today, I'm going to talk about how to handle those surprise snags and even find peace when

things don't turn out how you expect.

I think spontaneity gives people anxiety because we fear the unknown, especially if you're

the type of person like myself that has to control every situation and aspect of my time

and life. I'm a creature of habit. I love waking up every morning, making the same tea,

going to my little zen-den, doing my meditation practice the same way. All of the things that

I do on a daily basis are so ritualistic for me. They make me happy. They bring me joy.

But I do also feel myself at times clinging to that consistency.

So I'll give you a really great example. I love my in-laws, but a couple of years ago,

my in-laws came to visit and I mentioned that I have a strict morning routine and I come

into my meditation space. My cushion is missing. My hot water tea kettle is gone. I see some

of my belongings kind of sprawled all over the living room. I had the most mindful, internal

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