I often feel this time of year is ambiguously defined by long periods of waiting. Waiting for the snow to melt. Waiting for the long, dark nights to become a little less long and dark. Waiting for that impossibly distant promise of warm weather to finally breathe itself into reality. Indeed, it often feels like the time between the holidays and start of spring straddles no man’s land, infinitely spanning on as one, continuous loop without a clear end in sight.
During these moments sometimes the only thing to truly get excited about is excitement itself. With that in mind, it takes a little extra thought and intentionality on our part to keep that flickering flame of hope alive and give ourselves something meaningful to look forward to. And, when the waiting feels like it continues to drag on and on, it’s often helpful to sit down and recenter ourselves by writing a list of all the good we have to anticipate.
So, here are ten things – both big and small – I’m personally looking forward to:
1. The coming of spring
2. Treating myself to a Starbucks coffee on Friday morning
3. A Disney girls’ trip with my mom in April
4. Snuggling with Fitz and watching the Winter Olympics this weekend
5. Cam’s graduation from vet school
6. Meeting a good friend for dinner on Saturday
7. Getting married and all the related wedding festivities
8. Celebrating my upcoming 700th Peloton ride
9. Curling up on the couch to read the next chapter of my book
10. Finally finding the right home at the end of a long house search
And while I’m grateful for all of these upcoming highlights and future milestones, I’m also constantly reminding myself to live more grounded and be thankful for the present moment. For while there’s pleasure in anticipation, there’s also pleasure in mindfulness and being fully cognizant, alive, and ready in the here and now. I don’t want to live my life constantly thinking about what’s next to the point where I’m blind to what’s wonderful and true about today.
Both the anticipation and the grounded reality are equally important, energizing, and beautiful: We need to enjoy the journey and the destination in equal parts if we are to embrace life to its richest potential. When we do this – when we eagerly await the magic of a future moment and also revel in the power of the present – we fully allow ourselves to step into something more exquisite, whole, and true.
That said, to even it out, here are ten things – both big and small – I’m grateful for right now:
1. Fitz comically snoring beside me as I write this post
2. My health and the health of those I love
3. The delicate wisps of snow lazily fluttering down from the black night sky
4. My job and the engagement and security it provides me
5. The warm, well-loved apartment Cam and I have unequivocally made ours over the last couple years
6. This blog and the constant source of creativity and life it brings me each week
7. The fresh, nutritious meal I just cooked for myself
8. A supportive family that always has my back no matter what
9. The gentle hum of music that makes me feel comfortable and inspired
10. The fact that I’m engaged to my best friend
What is something you’re anticipating in the coming days, weeks, and months? What’s even something you’re looking forward to in the coming hour? Whatever it is recognize it, name it, and embrace it as something that gives you joy and life.
Next, take a moment to identify something you appreciate about your present moment. Maybe it’s the warm smile of a loved one, the slow burning of a candle, or the way the natural light fills your workspace. Whatever it is, again recognize, name it, and embrace it as something that gives you joy and life.
Then take a look at both of your lists. What are you noticing? What are you starting to recognize that maybe you didn’t fully see before? And how is this making you feel? How is your mindset beginning to shift or grow?
This life is beautiful, complex, complicated, and unpromised. It is funny, exhausting, maddening, and joyful. It is ours to both treasure in the present moment and plan for with the utmost care and reverence. So, whenever you find yourself feeling stuck, tired, or trapped in a period of intense waiting, take a moment for mindful anticipation. Give yourself permission to look ahead, celebrate what’s next, and also just be.
You might stand to be surprised by what you discover.
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