Does following a budget reduce spontaneity? I have always been proud to be spur of the moment, take things as they come, and other cheesy cliches of the like. But the better I get at budgeting, the more I fail at living an impromptu lifestyle.
Perhaps this isn’t all bad. The very definition of ’spontaneous’ is “acting or happening without apparent forethought, prompting, or planning.” Well, the whole point of following a budget and practicing money management is forethought, and planning, right? But I can’t help feeling like I’m missing out on some great experiences.
Some of my greatest memories are the result of an impulsive action. The time my best pal hopped a plane to NYC with me to catch a concert – that was sold out. We ended up randomly chatting with some folks, during a layover in the midwest, who offered us a couple of tickets out of the kindness of their hearts (or size of their wallets – I guess we really can’t be sure). Or when a group of us were lamenting our lack of spring break plans, and decided to drive several states over for some camping at a popular lakeside destination. Turns out, it’s popular in the summer. But in the chilly month of March, the place was completely isolated. Talk about a fun weekend with my girls.
Lately – and by that, I mean the past several years – I have been moving right along, working by day, budgeting by night, following all the rules. My bills are all paid on time. My entertainment, travel, even hobbies are meticulously planned to fit into my MMP(money management plan). And when I have an opportunity to be spontaneous? Well, it seems I usually turn it down.
Example: I recently received a raise and a promotion at work. R suggested we go out to celebrate. I refused. We had the money, and it was even in the right section of the budget – celebration – but I couldn’t bring myself to spend it when we had tamales on the menu. And it’s not because I like tamales that much. I mean, I do, but that’s beside the point. The point is, I felt guilty being spontaneous when I had already taken the time to plan.
Of course, the situation could be reversed. I could easily sit here and ruefully sigh about my inability to put my finances before my thoughtless revelry. And I am most certainly not trying to be a victim here. My life is full of vibrant experiences, and simple pleasures. I have been blessed with a warm family and gracious friends. All of my needs are met, and many of my wants.
I suppose I just miss being spontaneous. I know, there are many free & cheap experiences that I can have. But I plan to have them. Maybe it’s just a power struggle between my inner child and adult. So how do I pick the winner?
Over the next several weeks, I will be making a conscious effort to participate in spontaneous, yet free, activities. Maybe this can be joining the kids across the street in a game of HORSE, or getting off the bus a stop or two early and seeing what new things I discover on the way home.
And the memories? Well, I’ve begun to reconsider my desire to be spontaneous. Sure, the spring break camping trip was loads of fun – but was the impromptu nature of the event really what made it a lasting memory? Or was it several days of relaxing in the bliss of close friendships?
The more I got to thinking about it, the answer became pretty clear.
