Lessons in Spontaneity

inhibition n feeling of fear of embarrass - ment that stops one from behaving naturally.

antonym of inhibition: spontaneity

spontaneity n the act of the voluntary and unpremeditated; occurs through natural process without outside influence.

Moving back in with my parents, who are in their “golden” stage of life (over 70 years old!), has taught me a few lessons in letting go of inhibitions. I always thought of myself as a spontaneous person until I reached my 30’s. Something happened. The spark that was always ignited in my soul vanished without warning. Life does that sometimes. My strong Christian faith experienced a crisis of belief during this period further plunging that spark into total darkness. Would that spark ever be awakened yet again?


Astoundingly, as I neared my 40’s, that spark began to be stirred up and was ready to fan the flames of spontaneity again! My relationship with God was rekindled! Life is good! I LOVE being 40! No opportunity wasted! I am determined to not let any fear stop me from “behaving naturally,” stop me from being spontaneous! Although I’m not sure I am at the same stage as my parents when it comes to letting go of inhibitions….

Am I ready to?

** eat meals at the table in only my bra and knickers (pl n “woman’s or girl’s undergarment covering the lower trunk and having legs or leg holes” ) Well, only if it is a Daisyfresh bra! hehehe - that was for you my fellow "road rage sista's"!

** tell a group of teenage girls waiting for the Go Train in the middle of winter that they should have a warmer jacket on and be wearing mitts

** tell that same group of teenage girls that they are beautiful and are carrying lovely handbags

** flirt with a fellow “senior” at Tim Horton’s while my husband/wife is sitting beside me

** have no issues with noisy flatulence in public places, especially restaurants

**have no problem with speaking my mind when unsatisfied with customer service in department stores and/or restaurants

** have no problem telling friends their choice of fashion is wrong

However, I was ready to…
** travel solo to Paris for a vacation - I even climbed up all 722 steps of the Eiffel Tower!

** skinny dip in the daylight

** go to the movies solo

** eat at restaurants solo

** go to the theatre solo

** stalk celebrities at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)

** ask for a picture with one of my favourite actors I literally ran into at a restaurant and continue talking with him for more than 1 minute

** be more bold in sharing my faith

** listen to God when He prompted me to share something extremely personal at church

** go to the Spice Girls concert

** willing to partake in quirky skits at my church

And...

FINAL - LY, an example of total surrender to the liberation of inhibition – an example of true spontaneity….

I was willing to strip down to my bra and knickers, because I did not have my bathing suit, so I could join my friend in the pool and hot tub at our favourite hotel! I didn’t want to miss out on the fun. For a brief moment, when two employees of the hotel walked into the pool area, I had a wee bit of a panic, but calmly swam to a corner of the pool and waited until they left! Yes, you heard correctly! I am turning into my mother!!!:) Ahhhh!!! (Sorry, no picture of this one!)

Karyne’s homecoming was long overdue! As a friend so eloquently commented on this photo,

"Now that is the girl I know and love....this makes me laugh!"

There’s no stopping me now- although I may want to add a filter!!:)

I love to be spontaneous. It is truly who I am at the core of my being!