Plan B

Even the most organised people suffer setbacks.  Things don’t always go to plan.  There’s the working mum whose child gets green around the gills, the bride whose look is spoiled by a run in her stockings, the dinner host whose oven dies mid-roast.  That’s when you need Plan B.

Let’s face it, it’s easy to stay on track when things runs smoothly.  Well, it’s easier.  You have your routine and it pretty much gets you and family where you need to be, when you need to be there.  Your regular routine has evolved over time so that everyone knows what to expect.  You’re probably so comfortable with it, you cut it fine, leaving little room, or time, for something to go wrong.

But then inevitably it does.  A flat tyre never comes at a convenient time.  Nor does illness or injury.  Getting through these setbacks will be much easier if you have a Plan B.

What to keep in your Plan B kit bag

A sense of humour. Ok, so something’s gone wrong.  It’s annoying, frustrating, maybe even scary.  The first thing you’ll need is some perspective and a sense of humour.  Not that it’s funny, just a recognition that life occasionally throws up challenges which getting angry won’t help.  You’ll be able to function and move on more easily if you have your sense of humour with you.

Phone and numbers. These days if something goes wrong – you can’t make a meeting or are late collecting a child from school – a phone call is expected.  But imagine your frustration if you’re stuck without your phone or the relevant numbers.  So keep your phone with you and charged.  Keep a charger in the car, and keep all your numbers current, including the number for the person you’re on the way to meet for the first time.

A Robin to your Batman. You may be a superhero but when trouble strikes, you’re nothing without a trusty sidekick.  It could be a neighbour, your mum, colleague, a friend willing to drop everything, an older child or your partner.  This is someone who will keep a level head.  You’ll be able to bounce ideas off them and they may even suggest solutions to your dilemma.  They’ll be willing to do something practical – step in to babysit, drive a spare set of keys to you, or bring wine and chocolates to commiserate.

Plan B meals. These are money, time and sanity savers.  Defrosting a casserole from the freezer or heating a can of minestrone from the pantry will be healthier, quicker and cheaper than picking up the phone to dial for pizza.

The practical stuff. A first aid kit in the home and in the car is essential, as is appropriate medication which is safely stored.  If you wear stockings, it doesn’t hurt to keep a spare pair in your desk at work or in the car.  What other emergency supplies would be useful in your situation?

Do you have a Plan B in place?  Has there been a time when you wished you did?