Hello Friends,
As some of you may know, a few weeks ago I wrote out a bucket list for things I want to try to accomplish this year. One of the items on my list was to go on a spontaneous trip without making any plans. And that is what we did. My friend and I got in the car and hit the road.
We ended up driving down to Port Aransas, Texas for the weekend and had a blast at the beach (which was also on the list). Part of why it was such a fun trip was living moment by moment without feeling pressure to move onto the next activity purely because it was "scheduled".
So, here are 5 reasons why I think everyone needs to go on one spontaneous trip where no plans are made:
1) You are able to fully embrace each moment for what it is. The clock now really has no meaning. If you wanted to sit in lawn chairs next to the beach for hours, you can do it. The ticking of the clock to remind you it will end soon, is no longer a factor. You can stay right at the shore all day if that's what you want to do. What a beautiful feeling.
2) Expectations of how the trip is supposed to be like completely vanishes. When plans aren't made and you choose what you do when you feel like it, it leaves you stress free with total freedom to change your mind at any point. We have all been there when we make vacation plans months in advance and when the time comes to actually go, if those items do not come to pass, there is somehow a sense of frustration and disappointment. Isn't the point of a vacation to relax and enjoy what you're doing with good company? When expectations are gone, you really can only go up from there.
3) It helps us give up control. We live in a world where we NEED to know what we are doing, when, where, and how. Sometimes letting loose and giving up control helps remind us it is the simple things in life that matter.
4) They create for some good memories. Because plans and schedules are not made, it leaves room for the unthinkable to happen and those are the memories that will keep us talking for years to come. Those are the stories worth telling. You may be reminded of these times when someone starts a sentense with, "Remember that one time...".
5) It is not the trip that really counts, it is who you share life with. Some of the most memorable trips I have taken have been with family and friends who hold a special place in my heart. Of course the places and things we have seen and done are memories I cherish, but it is the people that really hold value to those memories.
I encourage you to let go of control and just go. The sooner is always the better. There is nothing more freeing than getting in a car with some good friends, popping in that mix cd, and get on the way to your next adventure.
There is no better time than now.
