Each year I buy a planner, it ends up in the back of my desk drawer, and each semester I look at my schedule, take out my planner, and attempt to color code all of my assignments. Doing this gives me a clearer head because I know all of my future assignments and exams. However, it also stresses me out knowing all of the assignments I will have to complete and the tests I will have to take before the end of the semester. And as each semester progressed, I used my planner less and less.
I do think writing things down in either a planner or on your phone is a good way to stay on top of things and keep track of what's happening in your life, and planning out certain aspects of your life is essential. However, I've learned that sometimes spontaneity is the better option.
More often than not, it's your unplanned, spontaneous decisions that greatly impact your life. Choosing to apply to a college you'll never think you'll attend or texting your high school friend who you haven't talked to in years are both spontaneous decisions that could impact your life.
My decision, applying to intern and live in Tel Aviv, Israel for the majority of the summer, was a very spontaneous one. Without much thought, I decided to apply not sure if I was going to go through with it, considering I have never been to Israel before. But as the spring semester progressed, I figured why not give it a try. I was extremely anxious and unsure of what the future would hold and continually questioned my decision.
My abroad experience was far from perfect, but it was that one uncomfortable yet intriguing, and spontaneous decision that gave me an amazing opportunity, new friends, and probably the best summer of my life.
The word "sababa" is a Hebrew slang term meaning "cool," "awesome," or "good" is almost like "Hakuna Matata," meaning "no worries." Tel Aviv as a city embraced this term. Even though I knew very minimal Hebrew, I always heard Israelis say this word in their daily conversations. Sababa is more of a way of life than a word, and I've learned to embrace it.
The word, as well as my summer abroad, taught me not to worry so much about little things, and not to focus too much on the future. Because I'd much rather regret making a choice than regret not making that choice.
Planning may relieve our discomfort of the unforeseeable future, but it may also deprive us of the opportunity to embrace the uncomfortable, unplanned, spontaneous decisions we should be making.
