Spontaneous: A Word for Your Day

By Jane Bishop

When did you last do something spontaneous, off the cuff? Words associated with describing spontaneous include “coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation; natural and unconstrained; unplanned.”

Check in with yourself and ask, Am I spontaneous? Why or why not?

While it may sound counterintuitive, allowing yourself to be spontaneous creates space to nurture happiness, creativity, alertness, and flexibility. However, in the culture of “busyness,” the space to allow spontaneity is often overlooked and undervalued. I offer this insight from Greg McKeown’s book, Essentialism: “If you do not have time to be bored, you are too busy.” That is a “wow” for me! If I do not have space to do something off the cuff, I am too busy!

I enjoy spontaneity and look for opportunities to do something unplanned/off the cuff. In the current season of my life as a caregiver while navigating life and business, doing something unplanned gives my brain a break which nurtures my well-being. It may be bursting into song or laughing out loud watching a movie at night or choosing the “long way” to a destination for fun. I have also enjoyed lying on the ground and looking at the clouds. The opportunities to be spontaneous for a brief period of time are almost endless and the release experienced is refreshing!

Be aware, there is a difference between impulsive and spontaneous. When we are impulsive, it involves something compulsive, unconscious, and short term such as buying something on emotion in the moment without thought of how to pay for it later. Someone has described spontaneous as “dynamic, joyful, with composure…making quick calls from a big picture perspective, not overly fixated on minor details.”

Consider how creating space for spontaneity can give you a break in your day. Take a break and treat yourself to your favorite dessert. Call a friend rather than text. Schedule an appointment for painting or ax throwing. These small action steps will help create a positive ripple effect throughout your daily routine.

I invite you to step out of your comfort zone of “busyness” and allow space to be spontaneous. Making an out-of-the-ordinary, off the cuff, Continued on page 21