Learning from 'Unplanned Trips': Tips for Creating Space in Your Heart
Have you ever felt exhausted from a trip packed with plans?
"Since I've come all this way, I have to go here and there!"
Do you have memories of trips where you hopped from one tourist spot to another with that mindset?
It should have been fun, but by the end, you were worn out.
I took lots of photos, but my memories of what I actually did are all jumbled. Like, "Wait, where was that place again?"
I've also had times where I packed in too many plans and realized it had become a 'trip of checking things off' 💦
Well, that can be fun too, though (´꒳` )
Today, let's find some hints for 'bringing space into our daily lives,' using the idea of an unplanned trip as a starting point 🌙
✨ When you pack in too many plans, it becomes an 'obligation' rather than 'fun'
I wonder why we pack in so many plans.
"I want to get my money's worth," "I don't want to waste time," "I want to increase the number of places I can report on social media."
I understand these feelings. I was the same way.
But in reality, you're chased by travel time, constantly checking your watch, thinking, "By what time do I need to be where next..." Instead of savoring the moment, you're thinking about the "next plan" 💦
✨ Trips and daily life are similar
As I traveled to various places, I started to think that daily life is the same.
When your calendar is packed with plans, it tends to become a "routine chore" rather than a fulfilling experience. Having many plans doesn't mean you're doing a good job...
When you think, "I have to go everywhere" or "I have to do everything," a sense of obligation outweighs the fun.
I think that's a bit of a waste 💦
✨ Unplanned trips bring you 'accidental rewards'
What I've tried recently is a loose travel schedule: "Go only here in the morning," and "the rest of the time, just wander around the area."
At first, I was anxious, thinking, "Is this really enough?" but when I tried it, it was actually great ✨
When there was space, these things happened:
- I happened to find a cafe and went in
- I had the leeway to ask locals for recommendations
- I had time to just blankly gaze at the scenery
In particular, thanks to not over-planning, I happened to visit a shop that was a huge hit.
If my schedule had been packed, I definitely wouldn't have been able to go there. I think I would have walked right past it, thinking, "I won't make it to the next place on time!"
"Time spent doing nothing" also has real value
The "leisurely time" while traveling quietly recharges your heart's battery.
Sitting on a bench, blankly gazing at the scenery. That time alone felt very luxurious 🌙
✨ Bringing the 'way to create space' discovered on trips back to daily life
Mini-rules for 'not packing' your daily schedule
I want to bring the comfort of the space I felt while traveling back to my daily life. Thinking that, there are things I'm trying.
Concrete ways to manage your calendar and To-Do list
- Limit yourself to 3 "hard tasks" per day
- Intentionally leave "blank squares" in your schedule book
- Insert 15-30 minutes of cushion time between plans
Just doing this has made things much easier ✨
✨ Ideas for spending your 'space time'
If you're asked, "What do you do during your space time?" it's like this:
- Do nothing, just look outside while drinking a beverage
- Try taking a deep breath without looking at your smartphone
- Try remembering one "good thing" that happened that day
It doesn't have to be anything special.
Just doing nothing. That is enough (*´艸`)
Why not create one square in your schedule this week where you don't put any plans?
✨ To those who are afraid of reducing plans: 'Doing nothing' is not 'slacking off'!
The feeling of anxiety when you have few plans is also perfectly valid
"No plans = I feel like I have no value."
I really understand this feeling. I was the same way 💦
You feel anxious when you see a blank space. You think, "Is it okay to be like this?" or "Shouldn't I be doing something?"
But that is also proof that you have been working hard.
So, it's okay not to blame yourself ✨️
✨ It's okay not to leave it completely empty all of a sudden
You don't need to leave your schedule completely empty from the start.
Start with 15 minutes of space.
Give yourself "permission" in advance, saying, "I don't have to do anything during this time today."
Just that will make your heart feel a little lighter ♪
✨ You can concentrate better because you rested
Strangely enough, when you create space, the quality of your work and creativity often improves.
Because you rested, you can focus better. Ideas come to you more easily.
Time spent 'doing nothing' is not a waste. In fact, it's necessary time.🌙
Summary: Today, add just one square of 'travel space' to your day.
Let's briefly review what I shared today.
- If you pack your schedule too full, it changes from 'enjoying' to 'getting through it'.
- If you loosen your schedule, unexpected rewards and time to face yourself will emerge.
- The pleasant feeling of space you felt while traveling can be recreated in your daily life.
Today's Step
Why not create 5 to 10 minutes of 'doing nothing' somewhere today?
During that time, take a quiet deep breath and listen to the voice of your heart.
Just by loosening your schedule a little, your heart will find it easier to breathe softly.
I hope you can walk through this week without pushing yourself too hard.✨
I'll be waiting for you again in the land of healing.🌙
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