Allow life to surprise you
Monday, April 18, 2016
I used to plan my days. From Mondays to Fridays, I've got everything well-thought-out. I had a checklist: From what time to wake up, to what time to go back to bed; from what to eat, to how much to spend; from what to read, to what to listen to; from what to wear, to where to go. And the list goes on.
At once it felt nice to be in control. Though knowing exactly what's going to happen was yet reassuring than satisfying. I was doing okay - I got things done as planned. But... I just didn't feel the excitement of things.
I wanted life to be exciting but it's normal. My life was mediocre. My life was safe. Safe but not fun.
So when it became depressing, I made a decision to take the road less travelled. I let go of my plans! I let go of my expectations! I allowed life to surprise me.
To break the monotony, I decided to get out of my shell and explore beyond my comfort zone.
Few days back, we were at Potipot Island, Zambales, Philippines. It was an impromptu trip. I was asked by my friends to join them a day before and I said yes right away!
Unlike before, I spent a week preparing for my outfits. (if you're my friend, you would know that the only thing that matters to me back then was how someone dresses himself. Haha!) I just grabbed the first clothes I have in my closet since most of my wardrobe was still in the laundry shop. Well, I was surprised that I've put on the right pieces together.
Unlike before, I couldn't go out of town if not with friends or family. On this trip, I grew closer to "new friends" even if it was my first time hanging out with them. I even wonder how I've convinced them to take photos of me. I was surprised they accepted me for who I am.
Unlike before, I play the "blame-game" when things didn't turn out as planned. Now, I've programmed myself to think that everything that's happening is for my own good; that they would make sense in the right time.
Travelling changes me. Travelling teaches me that I will be just fine, even if I don't have life figured out yet.
"We often look at life as a puzzle to be solved rather than a mystery to embrace. But when it' a mystery, surprises abound."
I continue to learn not to plan my life anymore. I'm allowing life to surprise me! I don't want to put the puzzles together just in one day. I try hard not to worry. Otherwise, I will just keep on living for "tomorrow" and wasting "today."
What about you? What do you do when you feel stuck? I would like to hear your story! Share it in the comment below.
Xoxo, TTN
11 comments
As the cliche goes, 'life begins at the end of your comfort zone.' Everything will be in its right place at the right time! Yey! This post is inspiring! <3
ReplyDeleteThat's inspiring, Aldrick! Thank you for sharing :)
DeleteI once tried going on a trip with my friends in an impromptu trip such as what you did. The trip was an utter failure but it was fun. Especially when I had my friends fooling around on the road. It was a failure since we did not plan anything and money was crucial and we ended up walking miles to get home. But it was fun nonetheless, until now the best things in my memories are the things which are unplanned.
ReplyDeleteHa-ha! It's nice to have friends to goof around with. They can make you laugh even at the darkest times of your life. :D
DeleteWe shouldn't plan for the day or for the week, but I think long term plans are still not a bad idea. :)
ReplyDeleteOf course, I still have my long term plans. But when it comes to travel, I research the weather, culture and commuting-good-to-know then I immersed myself in the "unknown" to discover things. :D
Deletewhat would I do when stuck? I usually seek on what's in the place meet new people and enjoy what's in there. :)
ReplyDeleteThat's you how make the most out of your trip, right Fryns? :D
DeleteReminded me of myself six years ago when I used to travel and follow an itinerary down to the letter. Right now I just go with the flow. I still make plans but I won't cry over if things don't go as planned.
ReplyDeleteRC Gweniful
https://adventurousmg.wordpress.com/2016/07/11/sheung-wan-mini-guide/
Me too! Ditched the itinerary! xD Thanks for reading, Cherry!
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