I'm a planner. I'm not naturally spontaneous. I'm more often serious than I am silly. So, "holding life loosely" is not a phrase that typifies me.

Writing the song "Holding Life Loosely"
Fortunately for me, I've been blessed with many spontaneous, fun and laid back friends over the years. One such friend and I were out camping once with my family, and she decided last minute to sleep at the campfire out under the stars — no mattress, and no pillow. Instead, I chose the comfort of sleeping on foam in the back of empty van. Sheesh. I had no back-woods spirit about me! Ha.

I wrote in my notebook...
That one moment prompted these lyrics as I pulled out my journal before I fell asleep: "Laid back, holding life loosely, nothing's really mine to keep — and I don't mind sleeping under stars."

A song about who I want to be
The song below is one of my favourites, not because it represents me, but it represents who I wish to become, a fun spontaneous individual with priorities in the right place. It's also an homage to the many friends who push me out of my rut and have turned me into a much more laid back person today. PHEW!

There's a lot that can change very quickly
Source of income — could be gone in a moment. Our health and well being — could be shaken by an injury. Our family — changes with time as people grow up and move. Best friends — transition in and out of our lives.

My theory on friendships
I've learned that one thing I need to hold loosely in life are friends. The way I see it is that God has brought friends into my life for a season. Rather than clench a tight fist around what I feel I want and need, I need to hold my hand with an open palm, allowing God to give and take, as He sees fit.

Life circumstances may change
I'm blessed with some very dear friends today. But I recognize that in a moment of time, things could change and they may move away, start a romantic relationship that reduces our hang out time, or our common interests may fade.

Rather than bemoan the changes in life and grip stubbornly to a lifestyle we prefer, we should 'hold life loosely.' I'm so grateful for the blessings in my life, but I also want to be open to change.

To quote a good friend, "It's a year of change!"

Question: What has changed the most in your life recently? And are you more of a planner, or more spontaneous?