One challenge of this summer has been the slog through #time soup. We have had so few markers of time. When looking ahead and behind, the days and weeks blur together in one continuous smear. At some point early in the quarantine, our family decided to plan a short getaway for the end of the summer. That decision started to create not only some structure to our formless days but also a joyous feeling of anticipation. Counting week, then days. Planning possible outings, then packing lists, occupied our discussions and thoughts.
Anticipation: Visualization of a future event or state
On our excursion last week, we enjoyed new scenery and activities. We experienced novelty and, alas, the same familiar faces of our string of previous months. Overall, this trip provided a necessary retreat from the daily sameness of our house, our family, our shortlist of options.
As we drove home, talk of school starting, supply lists, and classmates began. The next big landmark started to crystalize into form. Fantasies of fall camping trips and a future return to our summer vacation spot also on our minds.
Anticipation offers a combination of emotions: joy, stress, excitement, and worry. With fewer scheduled activities, we have fewer opportunities for these feelings. Here are some questions to consider:
- How can we celebrate special moments, like the first day of school, when our children are going to school virtually?
- What small experiences can we create to support feelings of anticipation?
- What rituals can we establish or accentuate with time running together?
I wish you all special moments, marking small or big moments, in ways that build feelings of anticipation with your families.
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