The Kofford Family relocates to Colorado after 40 years as Californians. In December of 2007, Grandma Lorraine is diagnosed with Stage 4 brain cancer. Sadly, she passed away on Dec. 26th, 2008 after a year long courageous battle. Follow our journey as we keep Lorraine's memory alive, and as we learn to appreciate that each day we are given, is a gift to be enjoyed!

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.”
~Maria Robertson

Friday, January 30, 2009

A lesson in spontaneity for a perpetual planner!


I am a planner by nature.

I don't do much without thinking it through and checking my calendar.

Living this way, life becomes rigid, and spontaneous moments never seem to happen without a day planner to dictate them.

So today, in the middle of phone calls, faxing death certificates, and being on hold for 20 min. trying to change my mom's name to mine so I can pay her utilities, I did something I have never done before.

I did something spontaneously.

I didn't plan it a week in advance. I didn't run errands first, or think through all the ramifications of leaving my many tasks undone...

I just stopped everything.

And, in the middle of the day, all by myself, I went to the movies!

I bought popcorn and a soda, and sat by myself right where I wanted.

I watched a movie I've been anxious to see, but have never found the time to find a sitter, or plan for it. I watched 3 hours of "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" with only 8 other people in the theater!

And you know what? It was OK that I left my tasks undone. It was OK that the laundry sat, and that the dishes were left dirty in the sink. It was OK that the floor didn't get swept, and that I didn't get the closet cleaned that I intended.

There were decisions to be made, and phone calls to make, and e-mails to answer, and none of that got done. I let myself do something fun without feeling guilty that I wasn't grieving, or being productive, or doing something worthwhile with my time. I was just spontaneous, without a reason. And, it was OK. No, it was better than OK, it was good!

Today I lived fully. I savored the moment. And, I am glad! I hope YOU will find time to do the same...today!

20 comments:

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I'm so glad you did this for yourself! It's so important to treat yourself to a day like that. I haven't done it in a while, and I think I just might take a page out of your book and try it! I might even take myself to the movies and go see "Benjamin Button." Sounds like a plan!

Thanks for sharing...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Lucy Marie said...

I am a perpetual planner too so I can relate to the importance that this spontaneity would hold with you. I'm so glad you did this and enjoyed yourself. I know how hard it is to put off those things that "MUST" get done. By the way, was the movie good? I've been waiting to see it!

stefanie said...

Oh, good girl!

Maybe the planner in you could schedule spontaneous 'Denise time' on a regular basis???

Unknown said...

Ohhh good for you Denise...what an awesome way to let your soul just rest!

In answer to doing a badge for dogsledding... we found an Alaskan Patch that we are going to earn! So much fun!

Denise K. said...

Just a quick review if you are deciding if you should spend $10 at the movie theater...($7.50 for the matinee!)or wait for the DVD. Benjamin Button was an intriguing character and the movie had me hooked from the opening scene. It is long at 2 hours 45 min. and resembled a somber Forrest Gump. The movie spans 70 years of history in the south and the reverse age progression that Brat Pitt's character "Benjamin" experiences is believable and thought provoking. Lots of nuances make me want to return with my husband and watch again from a new perspective. Dark, slow, and several moral issues make this one for the grown ups only. Enjoy, and if you go, let me know your thoughts...I'm anxious to "talk" about it without giving away the ending!

Lucy Marie said...

Denise, Thanks for the comment and the review. If I get a chance to go to the theatre to watch, I'll let you know. If not, I'll see it as soon as it comes out on DVD. I added a link to my e-mail address on my profile for the future. I didn't realize it wasn't there. Sorry!

Sue said...

YEAH!!! Good for you! I bet it felt good to let go and just have some "Denise" time. I'm proud of you because it's not easy to do that when you are a planner. Hope you enjoyed the movie! Now I will think of you each time I drive past the theater during the day. It's funny.... I almost did the same thing yesterday.

Enjoy your today and know I'm thinking of you!!

Love ya,
Sue

Unknown said...

OH my goodness Denise, you could have been describing me with my planner and calendar and organized time life....I too find I just don't drop it all and have fun!!! I mean we do have fun, but it's planned for, kwim?
I hope you enjoyed the movie, I liked that one.

Melissa said...

So happy you took some time for yourself! Thanks for the review too. Sounds good.

Amanda Herrold said...

Good for you! You deserve time for yourself...and by yourself!

Kim said...

Yippee!!! Your post made me smile both inside and out! Glad you did the spontaneous and found out it was great! I haven't seen Benjamin Button yet and was wondering if I should. It sounds like I would enjoy it.

From your proud friend,
Kim

Emily said...

I have never gone to the movies alone. I've heard it is a wonderful experience though. I definitely need to live a little :)

Shannon said...

I'm so glad you did this! It sounds like a relaxing day. I might have to do this!

Darlene said...

YAY good for you!!!

glitzen said...

Yeah! I found myself feeling cheerful right along with you! I am proud of you for taking care of YOU, and living life to the fullest. I hope the movie was great!
I know somebody who goes to the movies, just buys the popcorn, and then goes home with a rental. Its all good! Hee hee.

nini said...

Good for you Denise! This is a great reminder that we all just need a little "me" time - whether is it scheduled or not! The laundry can wait (there really is no end to it anyways), email can be read later and those dishes can just sit in the sink a little longer. We all need a break every once in a while! I am so glad you took one!

Pam said...

How fun! I have been thinking about doing this myself! Tommorow might just be the day!

Liz Harrell said...

GOOD for you! I've been trying to do more and more of this, or at the very least remember it's ok not to get everything done. Sounds like a really delightful day!

Amanda Herrold said...

you were featured on the blog today! Thanks again for doing that!!!

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Denise...just wanted to stop by and say thank you for those wonderful comments you left...you made my day! No, I'm not a decorator...well, at least not a paid one. LOL You are so kind! I love that you just went to the movie by yourself...good for you! I've done that before and it was great fun...feels good to just do something for yourself that's completely spontaneous like that. I'm so sorry to read about your recent losses and especially so close together. I lost my Dad when I was a freshman in college and my Mom when I was a Junior in college...so I know it's a shock to loose both so close together. Passage of time does help but we never quit missing them...do we? Love to you and thanks again for your visit today! Susan