Impulsive Decisions or Awesome Spontanaity?

This summer has been filled with what I at first considered to be impulsive decisions, but to be more positive, I have decided to consider them to be “spontaneous” instead. While these words mean similar things, there are different connotations I carry with me when I think of them in different ways. To be impulsive is to act without thinking at all and (for me) usually results in poor decisions made on the fly. But, to be spontaneous (by my own inner definition) is to think quickly and to make a semi-educated decision I’ve been choosing not to make. Knowing this, it is also important to know that google defines them as:

Spontaneous - performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus.

Impulsive - acting or done without forethought.
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As a person, I usually have a lot of forethought. I think or “manifest” something for a long time, convincing myself I don’t need it or that the timing is wrong. Then, one day, I will suddenly decide “today is the day and I am doing this!”. For instance, this summer I adopted Ace, my adorable and sweet pembroke welsh corgi puppy. 

I’ve wanted a dog for a long time, and Adam and I have debated a second pet (cat or dog) for months. We moved into a new apartment that is much larger, own our own furniture, and with graduate school ending I’ve had a lot of free time. On top of that, I’ve honestly just been lonely since a lot of my friends from graduate school have moved away. Meeting new people takes time, and I’ve been missing the extra responsibilities work, an internship, and graduate school combined brought me. So, one night, Adam and I decided to adopt a puppy from an ad we found near the mailboxes at our apartment. 

One week in, it felt like an impulsive decision. We were sleep deprived, sweet Ace was having tummy trouble and bad hook worms that resulted in multiple vet visits, our cat Leo did not like Ace, and we had not spent an evening together as we took turns watching the dog and working or hanging out with friends. I can proudly say that two and a half weeks in, I realized that our spontaneous decision has been SO rewarding. We love Ace, Leo has also grown fond of his presence, and it has encouraged us to live a healthier lifestyle. We get up significantly earlier and take multiple morning walks before work, we meal prep more consistently, we go to bed earlier, and we have found a much more set routine for our lives. 

Next impulsive decision - I decided to surprise Adam with a trip to Portland, Oregon for his Birthday/Christmas because I found a crazy good deal on Southwest for flights. Ever since we met over 3 years ago Adam and I have wanted to visit Portland. Neither of us have ever been, and every 3-6 months or so we’ll look at flights together and decide “it is too expensive” and “we really can’t afford it right now”. But (also 4 weeks ago) I found a flight deal and I could not resist. I booked the flights for January and jumped all in! 

For a few days I was filled with excitement of looking at things to do, where we will stay, and how to tell my husband. Once I did he was thrilled as well! But after a week passed I started having buyers remorse. My bank account was hurting even with the deal, and I wondered if I’d made an impulsive mistake. Thankfully, as I sat down and really focused on my finances, I realized that our plan is very doable, and that we can afford it. I also really focused on the realization that we do deserve to take this kind of trip. We work hard throughout the week and we should travel while we still have the time. 

Overall, I’ve learned that perception can change everything. It is not worth giving myself anxiety over decisions that I’ve already made, and most of the time the decisions end up being positive after some time passes. Anyway, here are some cute pictures of my dog: