5 things I do, so I can be more spontaneous
I somehow created a new tradition for myself: a solo trip to do what I love: writing. Oh man! This started with second thoughts, feeling at first somehow selfish and trying to find reasonable reasons for doing it at home, but it was never about that.
It was about taking the time for myself, recharging, and having the time to think alone without any distractions. And yes, I went to the same place this year to avoid any FOMO from my brain that wants to explore and take more pictures. I wanted to have a familiar space where I can use less planning and more freedom for my mind to create.
It comes as no surprise that I am a Type A person (and if you are wondering what that is, no worries, I got you covered. Think about organizing, planning, competitive, goal-oriented, with 100 tabs open in the mind, fast-paced, and a perfectionist, because why not). This has been all my life to my advantage, and now I am trying to learn also how to be less organized and go with the flow (yes, I have a tattoo with this, to have myself reminded that slow is also safe and good).
What did I actually do to make my trip more spontaneous?
1.I let the plan be imperfect.
I didn’t have one (surprising, right?). My only plan was to go, write, and enjoy my own company. There was no schedule, time-checking, or what’s next. It was more about being present, about taking it slowly and as it comes. In the first year, I found it harder as I felt something was going wrong, not enough, or misplaced. This year, it felt more natural, and it actually felt good.
2. I collected little moments.
I love walking; that’s my forever go-to to clear my mind and take a breath. While I was doing this, I met a writer (beautiful coincidence), a warm-hearted person who inspired me to keep writing my book. I had a lovely chat with him (Humberto Correia), he was telling me that it took him 4 years to put together the book about his childhood, and that was another reminder that I am not late; there is no actual time when things get done, just to keep doing it until it takes shape and let it be imperfect.
3.I left space to notice.
The city was busier this time of the year: people were doing more activities, more food, more fun, more noise. It didn’t bother me, it felt alive and I liked it. I noticed many small moments that made me smile: a dog looking at me, a lady that compliment my bag, an old couple holding hands, the ice cream melting on a baby’s face.
4.I came home with more than photos.
I collected memories, pages, and more ideas. Every photo I take is a new memory, and I tried to get the details, the feeling, and keep inspire me years after. I practice more with my camera, and that’s a new challenge that I took on, which I really enjoy.
5.I made room to write.
Right! This was the purpose of the trip. I got almost a notebook full of notes, sketches, and next steps for the book; it’s getting closer and closer to a final shape, and it’s scary and exciting at the same time. And as a Type A girlie, it will be about planning and organizing: more to come!
I left those days with my mind clearer and my heart happier. I would encourage everyone to have this time, a solo trip, for the mind and soul, to do nothing or enjoy your hobby, to be with your own thoughts.
Maybe being organized isn’t about controlling everything. Maybe it’s about creating enough space to enjoy everything.
