Let Loose: How Being Spontaneous Can Make You Feel Alive

It’s easy to get into a rut.  A dark space that is suffocating and makes you feel ho-hum.  An effortless smile surfaces as often as a blood orange moon.

Structure directs most of our lives. We have become addicted to planning and micromanaging every minute.  There’s always something bossing us around.   We have to be at work at a specific time, deadlines and family responsibilities have to be met; bills have to be paid–unless, you love sitting in the dark. LOL!!  I read somewhere that some couples even schedule sex!  Oh boy!!

We often feel there’s not much wiggle room to get off-script. And, there’s not!!  And, when we do have free time, we don’t know what to do with it.

So. We complain about being bored and unfulfilled.

Folks, it’s time to stop the madness!!

” Flipping tables over and loosening the noose of predictability can be an antidote.  It’s a breath of fresh air for tired souls.”

For the past few weeks, I have been feeling overburdened with my job as a RN and the joyful stress I put on myself to create sharp content for my blog.   When I don’t write for an interval; I feel unsettled and disconnected from my true passion!!

There’s so much stuff in my head, circling the campfire, that it has to come out– or, I combust! LOL.

“A few days ago, I found out that legendary R& B crooner, Jeffrey Osborne was going to be in New York City next month at Sony Hall; a venue smack dab in the middle of the theater district.  I’d never heard of this place.”

I could barely contain my excitement!  And, jumped at the chance to see him in concert.  This would be my first time ever!!  I shared the news with my husband, Q.  He couldn’t get a word in edgewise. LOL!

I have loved Osborne and his rich, romantic, inimitable, baritone voice for four decades; way before he went solo and was the lead singer for the soul group,  L.T.D, back in the seventies. I’m sure you remember some of his many hits, ”On The Wings Of Love,” “Were Going All The Way,” and “Stay With Me Tonight,” and my absolute fave, “We Both Deserve Each Others Love,”  And, if you don’t remember or have the energy to go over to YouTube, we are no longer friends.  LOL!!

There are certain artists that stand the test of time, because they are authentic and possess real talent; they don’t rely on synthesizers and smoke and mirrors.

“While going on line to check the ticket price, the $28 (for two) service charge really ticked me off.   It wasn’t so  much the price, it was the principle; being charged to process the transaction, that I DID!!   Now, normally, I would go ahead and pay it to get it over and done with;  but this time, I really thought about it.   It made no sense, considering we only live sixty minutes from Manhattan.”

So, today, on this cold, sunny, Sunday morning,  my husband and I  decided to do something unplanned; without mulling over it.  I threw on a pair of yoga pants and a warm beanie; nothing fancy. Doing laundry and scrubbing the bathroom floor can wait!  We drove to Manhattan to get those golden tickets!!

We all know how easy it is to talk ourselves out of something, the more time we have to think about it.  Right? Well,  just get up and GO!!

“Instead of thinking about the negatives of NYC traffic congestion, abysmal parking, car horns honking, rude drivers  and masses of humanity in the streets– I chose to think of it as beautiful urban chaos.”

It’s funny. Once our perspective changes, it lightens the load.  It is really all about embracing experiences; in the moment!  Driving down the West Side Highway into Manhattan, I marveled at the George Washington Bridge and gorgeous, pricey New Jersey high rise apartments across the frozen Hudson River.

As we inched toward Mid-town, I felt invigorated viewing historic brownstones, shiny skyscrapers, ethic restaurants, folks jogging, walking their dogs and caressing Starbucks cups.   Oh, yes, I’ve been to NYC multiple times, since I moved to Connecticut from Buffalo over thirty years ago, but, this morning was super special.  I took it all in and exhaled.

“Come to find out, the reason Sony Hall did’t ring a bell was because it’s only been opened for one year.   I was the only person at the box office at 11 am.  Lucky me.  As soon as I walked into the hallway, I felt like I had been transported to another time.”

The textured walls, exposed brick areas, gold railings and wrought iron staircases were vintage and inviting.   I couldn’t wait to ask the box office guy questions about the history of the place. He looked sleepy but obliged.  He probably thought I was weird with my over the top curiosity, but I was so intrigued.   I love backstories. He told me that the venue was a speakeasy back in the 1930’s–during Prohibition–a supper club for vaudeville acts and was recently restored to it’s former beauty.

I got a sneak peek of the magnificent concert/ supper club area while I was downstairs using the ladies room.  What a jewel!!  A few guys were cleaning and setting up tables for an upcoming jazz brunch.  Like an eye thirsty paparazza; I quickly snapped pics of the room, bar, floor, ceiling and stage–and, then, hightailed it back upstairs.

By being spontaneous and driving to NYC for the tickets,  I  got a colorful history lesson, as well.  Who knew how the day would evolve?   New York City is like a sexy, vivacious, bold and sassy friend who doesn’t take crap from anybody; worldly, gritty and full of surprises. She has a racing pulse!  It felt good hanging out with her today.  I’ll be back March 23 to sit front row in Sony Hall and get serenaded by Jeff!   Jeffrey, to the rest of ya!  LOL!