The happiness of cancelling plans (sometimes)

There was a time when I thought cancelled plan were always disappointed. If someone cancelled at the last time, I felt frustrated because I had already planned myself for the day. I would think about the time I had spend getting ready and how the day had certainly become empty. But over time, I realised that cancelled plan are not always a bad thing. Sometime, they become an unexpected gift.

Of course, this does not mean, I enjoy being cancelled on every time. If it happens, often, it feels disrespectful and disappointing but once in a while, when a plane get cancelled for a genuine reason, secretly, enjoy the extra time suddenly becomes mine again.

There is something peaceful about realising that i no longer have to rush. I can change back into my comfortable clothes, make myself a cup of tea, watch a movie read a few pages of a book or simply stay in bed without feeling guilty. It feels like I have been given a few extra hours that I did not know, I would have.

Sometime, I even realise that I was not fully excited about the plan in the first place. I had agreed because I did not want to disappoint anyone because it felt like writing things to do. When the plan get cancelled, I feel a small sense of relief. It reminded me that I also enjoy my own company and that Staying at home, can be just as enjoyable as going out. Cancelled plan also give me the chance to do things. I usually keep postponing. I might organise my room, finish a series. I have been watching, write in my journal or simply spend time with my family. These simple moment often become the most relaxing part of my week.

One thing I have learned that we often think every free movement must be filled with activity. We make schedule accepted invitation and keep ourselves busy. While spending time with the people is important, so spending time with our self. An unexpected free evening, reminds me that rest is also productive in its own way.

I also think cancelled plan, teach us to be flexible. Life does not always go exactly as we expected. People get busy, emergency happen and priorities change. Instead of letting a Cancel plan ruin the entire day, we can choose to see it is an opportunity to slowdown and enjoy something different.

Now, whenever a plan is cancelled, I no longer see it as a wasted time. I simply ask “myself what would make me happy right now?” Sometime the answer is staying home with a good movie, ordering my favourite food or enjoying the quiet without any scheduled to follow.

The happiness of consult plan is not about avoiding people or refusing to socialise. It is about appreciating the unexpected gift of free time. Some of my most peaceful evening have started with a simple message saying “I’m sorry, Can we do it another day?” surprisingly, those unplanned moments have often become the best part of my week.