Anticipation

Jane Austen“A scheme of which every part promises delight can never be successful; and general disappointment is only warded off by the defence of some little peculiar vexation.”

Jane Austen (1775 – 1817)

English novelist

Perhaps its the anticipation of a particular event that makes the wait worth while. No matter how it is imagined, rarely does it play out to be the same. I wonder if our inability to anticipate with baited breath: a birthday, Christmas or any special event is what might take the joy out of living.

When we’re children the ever perfect dream of what awaits under the Christmas tree makes everyday nearly unbearable. And then when the day finally arrives, it’s with sheer delight when we leap out of bed at the crack of dawn and run to the tree, staring in awe . . . the absolute joy can never be replicated as we become adults.

Oddly enough it’s as we become adults that we so desperately need that joy in our lives and it is the most difficult thing to conjure up after years of numbing ourselves by taking to heart so many emotional disappointments.

I hope you learn how to kindle your curiosity and the depth of anticipation that will help you find the joy in your life.