Paying it Forward: Spontaneity Inspires Others

Live in the moment when visiting family and friends for the holidays. So many people, so many ways to engage. Be comfortable following and spontaneously participating in the job of life.

Spontaneous behavior is defined as performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus. One word example synonyms and antonyms are ‘abandon’ and ‘willpower’ respectively.

I’ve enjoyed a weekend of spontaneity. My plans were to drive to Austin, attend funerals Saturday, and then spend the night. After brunch Sunday, my son, Brian said, “Let’s go see Andrew in Houston. I’ll drive.” I haven’t seen my other son since July 4^th.

First inclination felt like ‘no’ as I wouldn’t get home till after midnight. My heart took control and I said, “Sure.” I’m still tired, AND I’m still happy to have enjoyed more hours with family, before my previously planned 5-hour drive home.

Artists talk about creativity. Performers develop creativity with improv sessions, as ad hoc performances without scrips, direction or definition. Some folks might freeze in front of a room with a blank look on their face. Another in their group steps up spontaneously, eyes brightening with anticipation while staring into the distance.

This week, many of us have the pleasure to be with family. With so many people together, everyone’s plans won’t all happen. If ask to do something spontaneous, I encourage you to say, “Yes.” Instead of stressing about what you didn’t get to do, just ride along and you’ll have fun.

Sing Christmas carols, read a bedtime story, watch the movie they want to see. Blow soap bubbles till you can’t. What does that feel like? It’s a great day to be alive!

“If we don’t resolve to live in an everyday world that inspires us rather than deflates us, we become not so much searchers as fugitives,” said Gregg Levoy in a Psychology Today article, “Winging It: The importance of Spontaneity.”

A close friend called, asking if I would drive him to chemotherapy for his cancer treatment. I said yes, spontaneously. This trip, like visiting Houston, is unplanned. It is also marked “important, but not urgent,” on my to-do list. I’m doing what’s important.

I’m a searcher, not a fugitive. Which are you? Happy New Year!! Peace to all and be safe.

Christmas includes a Zoom call to family in Tokyo. Grandad spontaneously sings, “Pa rum pa pum pum” from the Little Drummer Boy, as our youngest grandson, Shin, did as a toddler. Photo Sakura Suzuki.

Published Wichita Falls Times Record News, Trends section, Sunday December 29, 2024.

Jack Browne is a community volunteer and former engineer, who became a technology sales and marketing executive over 40 years, 19 with Motorola in Austin, then in Silicon Valley with MIPS Technologies and other companies. How are the children doing?