What am I going to do after school tomorrow?
I should go get a manicure sometime.
No, I can't. I don't think it's wise.
These three phrases all have one thing in common. They all have to do with spontaneousness. I'm sure everyone has missed out on an opportunity to do something fun in their life because they were worried it was too "last second." Living each day planned out to the second leaves no room for the adventures that an individual craves. Sure planning your day out when it is hectic is very effective. However, without a little bit of spontaneous action, are you really living?
Spontaneous is often an intimidating word. Many people fear that if they do something just for the heck of it that life will punish them later for it. But think about it. You're not going to remember Mr. Joe who made your day bad or that paper you wrote for school. You're going to remember when you took the random trip to the zoo or went to the water park and rode the ride you were scared of. Face it, the only time you regret something is if you didn't do everything in your power to make it happen.
Living in the moment. It's a scary concept. However, living in the moment doesn't just have to do with being spontaneous. Most of the time when I hear living in the moment I think of not living in the past.
Someone said something to hurt your feelings.
You got a bad grade on a test.
You had a wardrobe malfunction.
These are all things that could ruin your day or event. I am the queen of embarrassment let me tell you. I used to let it define me. I would become shy and hide away from other people when something embarrassed me. I used to just bottle everything up and let someone's words hurt me. I used to never forgive someone for the awful things they said. Now that I am older, I have come to realize something. The only person who ends up getting hurt from holding these grudges is me. The other person isn't sitting up at night wondering if what they said really hurt me. They probably don't even remember what they said. The bad grade, is just one bad grade. I will just have to try harder on the next. My professor isn't laughing at me. They want to help me. The other kids don't even know my grade. And that awkward moment that I am so embarrassed by, no one is going to remember me. Sure it may have been a funny incident that people will laugh about. But that's just it: it is just an incident. Sure it was awkward and embarrassing; but it was just something that happened. Sure people will laugh, but a lot of them are more concerned with helping you than you think. Everyone has something embarrassing happen to them once in their life. I am sure they are more understanding than you think.
So as you think about your days ahead, don't plan every second. The spontaneous trips to different locations are what you will remember. Don't sweat the small things. The only thing grudges hurt is you. Live life to the fullest because you only have one. Don't waste it.
