Today let’s talk about being spontaneous.
Has it ever seemed like it was difficult to just let go and do something on the spur of the moment?
I have had a lot of trouble with being spontaneous – unexpected events were frightening. One friend said if I agreed to meet them at the cafeteria after church, they would only count on me if I showed up, because I was known for saying yes, and then going home instead. An unplanned event felt like the uncertainty I experienced growing up in an alcoholic family. I wanted to have time to think about how things would work out for me, and if there was anything unsafe about the situation. As I learned I didn’t always have to know everything in advance, it became easier to just go roller skating, without a lot of planning ahead of time. What a freedom!
Have you ever struggled with being spontaneous?
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Dan, what a great question!
My problem is that I’m too spontaneous. I’m forever jumping into the brink. It’s occurred to me of late, however, this may be a means to procrastinate or avoid facing (or doing something) so being spontaneous … without giving things too much thought … sometimes gets me into trouble and I end up doing a major juggling act and sometimes regretting my decisions.
I think it’s a question of balance. I’ve actually caught myself re-thinking some of my hasty decisions.
Not that I’m trying to squelch my spontaneity but I need to figure out what my motives are.
Sandra
Hi Sandra – glad you liked the question! LOL – I hear you on the other side of the coin – being too spontaneous. I’ve done things pretty impulsively at times, with less than wonderful results! More and more I’m coming to appreciate that great word – moderation. Finding a balance between being too structured and too impulsive is a great goal of mine.
Interesting thought you present about being impulsive as a way to procrastinate/avoid facing. I’ll have to give that one some thought. The impulsive decision certainly doesn’t allow time for careful reflection of consequence, so I understand how it can lead to some last minute time juggling!
Yup, trying to figure out the motive behind how I do things – a great concept!
Thanks for your wonderful comments, Sandra! They give me a lot to reflect on! 🙂
Dan