Spring break came and went in the blink of an eye. Now it’s back to white-walled rooms, heavy textbooks and the fresh smell of EXPO markers. For some of us, spring break was our opportunity to retire technology, pack our cars with camping gear to the brim and set out on the open road. This is my ode to no reservations.
Have you ever done something on a whim? Our lives, especially as college students, are so focused on the calendar. We’re constantly planning! I look over to the girl’s agenda next to me and am envious of how covered it is in black ink and sticky notes reminding her of plans. “I would forget EVERYTHING without my planner.” We are very forward thinking. By no means is this a negative thing. It’s the reason why we are girl bosses! However, it is important to challenge yourself to forget the planner and enjoy the ride of life.
That’s what I did over spring break. I hopped in the passenger seat of my friend’s truck, with no plans or reservations. Our only course: GO NORTH.
At first, I felt antsy. Where are we going to sleep? When am I going to eat? Do we have enough gas?! I frantically looked up campsites on my phone, calling the park service for information on availability. I FREAKED out when no one answered! Then I realized: I am always thinking of my next move and am rarely content with the present. I put down my phone and relaxed my nerves. Whatever happens… happens. That’s exactly what happened. We drove on the beach at sunset in Pismo Beach. We climbed to the bottom of the tallest rock face in San Luis Obispo. We strapped up a hammock over a riverbed in Ojai. All of this happened and we STILL found open campsites. None of it took planning, it just happened.
Here’s to no reservations. To giving your brain a break and your nerves some time to relax. To letting life bear its good times by bring present in the moment. When you’re too focused on the future, anxiety can build up. Even though I can’t live entirely without plans (because setting goals is important), I can learn from the trip to be present during the moment and accept what life has to offer. It’s back to the planner now.