Spontaneity Day: how to become happier through simple decisions

Alice Smahina

The word "spontaneity" comes from the Latin word sponte, meaning free will. According to the definition of a psychology dictionary, the concept of spontaneity is associated with creativity, intuition, play, the ability to improvise in the conditions being created right now in plain sight. Spontaneity is a constant part of a child's life, because, in childhood, each day is full of new situations and discoveries. The kid was going to dinner, but for some reason, decided to climb under the stool and "live" there; then polished shoes and cleaned a bath with the same waxed brush; wanted to kick the ball, but instead ran after the butterfly; was late for class because of trying to make friends with a funny homeless dog. Adults, on the other hand, rarely use the word in a positive sense, because society is usually more sympathetic to those living by the principles of planning: it's much easier to interact with predictable people, planning their time and actions. Spontaneity is always associated with unexpected suddenness, and often incomprehensibility. Loss of control over the situation is one of the greatest fears of modern humanity.

But change isn't always a risk, and the absence of change doesn't mean its absolute absence.

We live in a very structured world, full of actions that we must perform, places where we must be, people we must meet. On weekdays, we must be present at work. On the weekend, we have scheduled household chores and rest. And the sign of a successful vacation is pre-purchased tickets and well-arranged suitcases. It's easy to become slaves to your routine, leaving little room for unexpected fun or adventure. However, it's not the best way to live all the time. Life should include adventure, entertainment, and, yes, getting out of the comfort zone.

To live under the influence of sudden desires or carefully plan our lives — what is more natural, smarter for us, and, most importantly, better?