I don't know what it is, but there is something about last minute trips that can be so rewarding. Don't get me wrong, I am definitely a planner! I like knowing where I am going, what I am doing, and making my lists; however, I find that there is beauty in spontaneity.
If we let ourselves get stuck in our routines and plans, we can miss out on these occasional moments that only come around every once and awhile. It is a matter of saying "yes" more, but also knowing when to say "no." Each one of us has our own limits with this and we have to know our own personal balance. I am definitely still working on finding this balance and it is a lot harder during the week with our work and personal schedules.
Despite this struggle, I have found that when I release my grip and say "yes," there is this feeling of rest, peace, and joy that is hard to find when we are trying to control everything. And I think I speak for many of us teachers when I say that we like to feel like we are in control or have everything "together." As a teacher, I am definitely guilty of this.
Recently, my mom and I decided to go on a last minute road trip up the coast to Santa Barbara. We booked our hotel the night before and decided to beat the rain that we were going to have here in San Diego to just enjoy some sunshine by the beach. We tried to do as much as we could during our two days, and let me tell you, we had a blast! Did we plan out every step of the way on our trip? No. Did we know that heavy winds would hit late afternoon as we were walking through town, freezing? No. Did that stop us from eating ice cream outside? Definitely not. Did we know we were going to find a tucked away staircase to the sand? No, but you bet we climbed all the way down to see the view and then all the way back up!
Yes, we had ideas of what we wanted to see on our trip and where we wanted to drive of course, but we let spontaneity guide.
When we let go, make last minute plans, enjoy the present moment, and take in our surroundings, so much beauty can be found. Don't get me wrong, being spontaneous can be difficult and out of our comfort zones at times, but I encourage you to not be afraid of spontaneity. Take baby steps at first if you need to, but don't let the fear of the unknown or the fear of not having a to-do list get in your way.
Make plans for a trip to somewhere you've never been.
Try something new in your classroom that you have wanted to try for a while.
Pack a suitcase and go on a road trip with your family or friends.
Try a new recipe that you have wanted to try.
Start a new workout routine and see where it takes you.
You have to take the first step, and when you do I hope you will find the beauty in the spontaneity.