11. What Are You Looking Forward To?

Today I worked hard on my Nut Hut renovations. I am so happy with the progress I am making. It is truly starting to come together. I have spent the last few weekends mudding, taping and sanding. I have also spent way too much time on Facebook marketplace looking for treasures to make my dream space a reality. This little project (which has turned into quite a big undertaking) has given me something to look forward to. It has given me purpose, and the drive to work hard to see it to completion.

Studies show that having something to look forward to can make your life a much happier one. Simply hoping and dreaming can wear you down, but having something tangible secured for the future will lift you up. In fact, actively imagining, and anticipating that future occurrence can be as exciting as the event itself. It doesn’t have to be big and definitely should not be limited to one thing. The positive mindset and happiness you obtain from a coffee date with a friend, can be just as fulfilling as planning that big vacation to the sunny south.

A good friend and co-worker of mine is indeed planning a trip South. We talked the other day about the joy it has brought her. The planning, the packing, the shopping for that new cute sundress, the thought of sand between her toes, the simple anticipation of her trip, still weeks away, has her smiling each and every day. What’s amazing is that her smile has a ripple effect. Her happiness sends positive energy to those around her, without her even realizing it.

Imagine if you could continue that ripple. Use a calendar to highlight upcoming events. Carve out some time and schedule in something that makes you happy. The uncertainty of the past two years has definitely had an impact on those “something’s to look forward to.” It has been difficult to make concrete plans; vacations were cancelled, businesses were closed, and the unknown future put us into survival mode. Now is the time to arrange that dinner with your partner, go to the Aquarium or museum with the kids, buy tickets for that concert, research campgrounds for your summer vacation, or hop on a plane and dip your toes in the ocean.

Don’t forget to enjoy the event itself. When that planned something finally arrives, allow yourself to enjoy it. Put down your phone, think about why you anticipated this event, make some memories, and be mindful of the pleasures it gives you. In the aftermath, don’t be sad that the event is over, take that joy and satisfaction to start planning your next something to look forward to.

I envision my completed little hideaway often; from the welcoming, warm colours, to the unique chair I came to acquire from marketplace, to the cute little macrame plant hangers I am going to make. I see myself surrounded by all things that make me happy, my yoga mat, craft supplies, books, and my favourite fuzzy blanket. Oh, and pillows; lots and lots of throw pillows. When I open the doors of The Nut Hut to Little Acorn Life Coaching clients, The door will also open to many more somethings to look forward to.

Having something to look forward to can truly change the way you move through your day. Take a moment and ask yourself… what are you looking forward to?

Thanks for reading the Weekly Seed.

Laura