OPINION: The Best Laid Plans of Mice and Men

In life, we often map our paths precisely, only to find ourselves veering off course onto unexpected roads.

This past week for me, was meant to be a voyage to the Association of Yukon Communities AGM in Dawson City—a meticulously planned excursion complete with booked hotel rooms, mapped routes, and a playlist ready for the inevitable dead spots in cell coverage.

Little did I know, this journey of over 3000 kilometres was destined to be more than just a physical voyage; it was a journey of self-discovery and profound learning.

In recent months, I struggled to keep pace with the exponential growth of my show. What began as a focus solely on municipal leaders expanded into a whirlwind of responsibilities and engagements that I had not anticipated.

From the Association of Manitoba Municipalities (AMM) in Brandon, Manitoba, to the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association (SUMA) conference in Regina, to hosting a conference session for the Manitoba Municipal Administrators (MMA) back in Brandon, my schedule had been a relentless blur of activity. And then, the much-anticipated journey to the Yukon beckoned—a three-day drive from Calgary, promising adventure and camaraderie.

However, fate had other plans. Amid excitement, the literal wheels of my car gave way, leaving me stranded in an unfamiliar area with patchy cell coverage. As someone prone to bouts of confusion and disorientation, being lost in such vastness was nothing short of unnerving.

Yet, it was in this moment of vulnerability that I discovered the true essence of humanity—the kindness of strangers and the unwavering support of those I hold dear.

Despite the unforeseen setback costing me dearly—both financially and emotionally—I found solace in the unexpected connections forged amidst the chaos.

The $1600 over-budget and missed opportunity at the AGM in Dawson City seemed insignificant compared to the invaluable encounters and experiences gained along the detour.

While I regretted missing what I could only imagine was a remarkable 49th AYC AGM, I found myself exactly where I needed to be—in Fort Nelson, British Columbia.

This unexpected haven became a sanctuary on my journey of self-discovery and acceptance—a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences arise from unplanned detours.

As the old proverb goes, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry." Indeed, life's journey is fraught with twists and turns, with destinations often diverging from our meticulously crafted maps.

Yet, it is within these deviations that we often unearth the true purpose of our travels—the people we meet, the lessons we learn, and the growth we experience.

So here's to the journeys that defy expectations, to the detours that lead us to unexpected destinations. For amidst the chaos and uncertainty, we find the beauty of serendipity and the wisdom of embracing the unknown.

As I reflect on my unplanned journey, I am reminded that sometimes, getting lost is the only way to find ourselves. And so, to the next adventure, whatever it may bring—here's to embracing the twists and turns, for it is within the unexpected that life's greatest treasures lie.