As much as I love having these things to look forward to, I've noticed how it often can lead to a bummed out feeling once the excitement is over. You think about it and talk about it for so long that when it finally arrives the time just flies by and before you know it you're back where you started. Until, of course, you look at your calendar, are reminded of the next big thing, and start the countdown again. This vicious, yet fun, cycle continues, almost in a manic-depressive state, full of high-highs and low-lows.
Having recognized how I do this to myself, I've been making a concerted effort lately to relish in the moment of these experiences. Take it in, appreciate it for what it is, and savor the sweet feelings that accompany those purple blocks of fun on my calendar.
A few weeks ago I found a quote by Kurt Vonnegut (all-around cool dude plus alumnus of a certain organization I work for) that really hit it home for me:
"I urge you to please notice when you are happy, and exclaim or murmur or think at some point, 'If this isn't nice, I don't know what is.'"
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that I think this is something we all could benefit from doing more often. Recognize those moments - the laughter of good friends over a bottle of wine, the sounds of a baseball game on a hot summer day, getting lost in the pages of a new book, the smell of burgers and dogs roasting on the grill - and take that extra second to appreciate where you are, what you're doing, and who you're with. Take a mental snapshot and add it to the beautiful library of memories in your mind.
It's always nice to have something to look forward to but if we waste away those moments looking forward to the future, we lose the opportunity right in front of us. On Memorial Day and as we head into the beautiful months of summer, remember to be happy for who you are and be grateful for what you have.
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