If you’re anything like me then you crave the feeling of being in control.  You like to know what lies two steps ahead, or even maybe four or five steps.  You want to know what to expect, and feel more at ease when things turn out the way you want them to.  You spend time analyzing, questioning, rethinking and planning your life.  Decisions are mulled over and over, opinions are asked, advice is taken into consideration, and of course there are the lessons of the past that go into it too.  By the time you decide what action to take, a lot of time has passed.  But at least you feel secure that you’re in control.

Sound vaguely familiar? If so, then you are officially a member of the group which I like to call – “I’m SO in Control!” – welcome!  We should probably start a Facebook Fan page – I think it would really take off. Imagine all the control addicted people out there…..this could be huge, really huge!

Why are we so addicted to control? What is it about certainty that makes us feel powerful and safe?  And how on earth do we kid ourselves in believing there is such a thing in the first place?!

Perhaps its because as human beings we deal with immortality, the eventual fate that lies ahead of all of us.  Maybe its because we are creatures of habit, and we thrive in stable environments.  Whatever the reason may be, all of us crave it, want to feel in control, and strive to achieve it, whether it’s in our personal lives, in our relationships or the world around us.

My last few posts have been about control and creating your reality - this topic seems to be popping up in my own life lately.  I’ve been practicing setting intentions and then letting go to let the universe take charge a bit and just staying open to what shows up.  I’ve found that letting go of the “how” – not planning or controlling how I’m going to get to my goal, is where the juice is.  It’s actually the key component in the law of attraction that I’m sure many of you are aware of.  And let me tell you – it actually works!

This may sound easy enough, yet can be difficult to do because of our desire to be constantly in control.  But there is also a lot of freedom there.  Imagine what it would be like to set a goal and not worry about the details of how to get there.  Think about the pressure it takes off you and the time and energy it frees up. 

Now I’m sure many of you are thinking there is no way you’re willing to give up your addiction.  This concept might even scare you and send you running for the hills.  I know it took me a long time to get comfortable with uncertainty.  Coming from an event planning background, my whole world revolved around contingency plans. While there is definitely a time and place for a nice solid plan, I’m proposing that it’s not always necessary.  Sometimes all it takes is to have a clear vision, set the intention, and let go.  Are you up for the challenge?