One evening, Rich and I stopped at a restaurant to have a nice dinner together, share some wine, and be a little romantic.  The restaurant was dimly lit, and the bar area was a no-wait, seat yourself kind of situation.  We found a cozy little booth and started to look through the menu.  

“Oh my gosh, their desserts look SO wonderful!” I exclaimed!  Rich said, “Get one!”.  “No way, I am trying to fit into my pants as it is!”  

He looked at me and said, “Wanna do something fun?”.  I am always a little uneasy when he asks that question.  It could be a fishing trip to Timbuctoo or tickets to the UFC in Vegas, or something as small as shopping for our favorite candies.  You just never know with this guy.  So, I bravely replied, ‘Yes!’ 

He said, “let’s order dessert, coffee, and wine and skip dinner altogether.  Who cares!  We have the rest of our lives to eat well!  Let’s enjoy ourselves!”

So, we did.  We ordered 3 different desserts, wine to go with each, and specialty coffee to top it off.  We laughed so hard and felt as though we were breaking ALL the rules!!  We left there feeling like naughty little kids who had just outsmarted our mothers.  It was one of the most fun dates we have ever had.  

I thought about that later.  Why was that so fun? So memorable?  

Apparently, being spontaneous is good for you, who knew?! 

“Those that are spontaneous tend to be more flexible and relaxed and ultimately happier with their lives. They can look at every situation and pull the good from it to put a positive spin on things. This positive outlook helps us all press on towards the next big thing. The stress is often not felt by those who understand that life goes on, regardless of the scenario.” – MYERS-DAVIS LIFE COACH.

I have friends that need 3-4 weeks’ advance notice in order to fit a lunch date into their schedule and plans.  Everything, down to every little detail, is planned with precision.  They are rigid in their schedule and miss out on the freedom of being able to be spontaneous and all the benefits it brings! 

For me, it is difficult to be spontaneous because I don’t like to feel out of control.  That isn’t a good thing.  I can come up with 38 reasons why we should NOT do this spontaneous thing.  And do you know what would happen if my husband listened to me?  I would suck the fun out of every opportunity to have fun, enjoy life, and have adventures.  

Even the author of Ecclesiastes in the Bible (whom they presume to be Solomon) concluded that we need to ENJOY our lives!  It is one of God’s gifts to us!  

Ecclesiastes 3:12-13CEB ^“I know that there’s nothing better for them but to enjoy themselves and do what’s good while they live. ¹³ Moreover, this is the gift of God: that all people should eat, drink, and enjoy the results of their hard work.”

And what is the result when I allow myself to be spontaneous??  GREAT memories are made, I laugh, I enjoy it, I learn things, I break up my monotonous routines, I make my brain work in a different way, using my impulses and instincts, and put it to use being ADVENTUROUS.  I never regret it.  

It’s called balance.  Yes, we need routines.  YES, we need plans and schedules, healthy habits, and consistency.  But you had better learn how to build flexibility and spontaneity in your life if you want to live a more fulfilled and enjoyable life with the people you love! 

Screw it. I’m getting ice cream.