I am struggling to be more spontaneous. This is a lifelong struggle (much like my ongoing project to become a better listener) that I have returned to after focusing on other things for a while, but its necessity comes back to press at me again. And, to be clear, my definition of spontaneity might not be the same as everyone’s, so I’ll put it this way. I am re-engaging with the struggle to embrace the opportunities life throws in my way rather than settling for the view in my comfortable rut. As someone who treasures her comfortable rut, I have to accept that to reach through to the awe, beauty, and joy that are available, I have to push into discomfort–hence the need, at least sometimes, for courage.

Other times, it just takes the imagination to do something outside my routine. Last week, in Ocean City, NJ, I woke up at 5am one morning (tiny bladder + one bottle of beer), and decided to embrace the day by cribbing my brother-in-law’s half-serious suggestion of going down to the beach to watch the sun rise over the Atlantic.

This weekend, if all goes well, I’ll be attending a concert at a local winery. Because for me, it’s not about doing something unplanned on the spur of the moment. It’s about letting my plans include beauty and wonder, courage and joy.