I’ve been wanting to travel all summer. I had been feeling so off (for many reasons) and needed a break. God granted me the desires of my heart because last Thursday, my mom called me and told me to pack my bags for a trip to Canada the very next day!

Yes, just like that.

I was like, “Lawddddd, that was you!” Just the night before, I was talking to Medge about how I haven’t been feeling like myself and needed some refreshing. He worked that fast!

I’m telling ya, God listens.

I have to chuckle to myself because… I considered not going.

I know what you’re thinking. “Why would you not go if you’ve been saying you needed a getaway all this time?”

Well, I was considering the fact that it was so last minute that my cousins in Canada couldn’t take off of work to hang out and I didn’t have much time to plan activities for myself.

The trip was so impromptu that the mere thought of quick preparation threatened to fluster me. I’m not talking what to pack, because I basically just dumped (neatly folded) my closet in my suitcase. But I almost made the trip a burden by racking my mind over what I would do upon arrival! Like…what? It’s vacation, Tarah-Lynn. You’re supposed to relax. You need to relax. Even now.

I got a headache just thinking about how I would make the best of my time. But God convicted me right then and there. I realized, omg. I am such a planner.

And no, that’s not a bad thing. I always knew I was a planner. I’m a person who tries to be prepared for everything. I don’t like wasting time. I love spontaneity but only in certain spectrums lol. In preparing for this vacation, I realized the negative aspect of my need to plan.

I tried to unwind so I opened up my devotional, Jesus Calling: Enjoying Peace in His Presence. And guys…it wrecked me.

The devotion for the day was about how I need to relax and allow God to lead me through my day. This next part was like whoa. It said that I “tend to peer anxiously into the day that is before [me], trying to figure out what to do and when.” (Jesus, WHAT?) Then it went on to basically say that interruptions come, making me reshuffle my plans, but because I’m so focused on the planning, I get distracted from God. I’m to look to Him, so He can show me what to do “now and next.”

Why?

Because…when I allow God to guide my steps, I am liberated to enjoy Him, as well as, what He has readied for me this day.

Needless to say, I calmed all the way down and took His advice.

It’s ironic because I was trying to get my plans situated so that I could go to Canada later this month and then this amazingness happens, without planning at all! Take your hand off of your future. You can’t manhandle it, so allow God.

In Canada, I spent my time between Montreal and Ottawa. I had a fantastic time with my family (I felt like I was glowing from happiness). We got together for a BBQ and danced and snapped the whole night haha. We also did touristy things, because you just have to when traveling!

I also met up with sweet blogger Kristin from Kouture Kitten downtown and we window-shopped, took in some sights and talked like we knew each other forever!

And of course, I had times where I was alone and would sit in the stillness and allow gratitude to wash over me.

It was so perfect! Every single thing that I needed. I captured these awesome times through my Snaps and Instagram, but I also captured this teaching that I can take with me on any everyday adventure.

I’m finding lessons in even the little things and it amazes me. I think this year is really a year of self-discovery. Finding out more about myself and what needs to be fixed and what I can appreciate about myself. Less planning? Check!

I didn’t post and I didn’t feel bad not one bit. I’m now feeling uber refreshed and I’m excited to share more great content! Be sure to follow my Instagram and Snapchat “tarah-lynn.” You know, for when you have separation anxiety and all if I try a stunt like this again. 😉