The Next Thing

Joenelle and I are in our room packing for our first trip to Disney World as a family. We've been talking about it for weeks, planning our days at the parks and buying Murphy, our toddler, a few Disney shirts to wear while we're there.

I fold another tiny shirt into the suitcase. My stomach turns for a second as I think about how much money this trip is going to cost, but the feeling quickly passes and I smile as I picture Murph meeting Goofy for the first time, just like I did when I was a little older than her.

We're nearly done packing, and the anticipation is almost overwhelming.

Then a thought crosses my mind.

What are we going to have to look forward to after this? What's next?

I stop. We've spent weeks looking forward to this trip, but we haven't even left the house, and my brain is already fast-forwarding through it. I see us walking down Main Street, watching the fireworks, packing the car, and driving home.

The trip hasn't even started, and somehow it's already over in my head.

What is wrong with me? Why can't I just enjoy Disney?

I'm interrupted by the sound of my daughter's laugh, the best sound. I look out the window and she's splashing in the $40 water table we bought her a few weeks ago, completely immersed in the moment.

Another thought hits me.

Why can't I just enjoy right now?

We mark special occasions on our calendars and create countdowns to build anticipation. But the term "special occasion" can trick us into believing the rest of life is just something to get through. If we're not careful, we'll spend the majority of our lives looking toward what's next, mentally putting a red X through every ordinary day in between.

Looking forward isn't the problem. Anticipation is one of life's greatest joys. We just can't let the anticipation for what's next overshadow our appreciation for what's now.

This week, notice how often you ask yourself, What's next? Maybe it's after the concert, after vacation, after graduation, after starting a new job, or after the weekend. When you catch yourself doing it, pause for just a second and look around. Before asking what's next, make sure you've finished enjoying what's now.

Disney will be a trip my wife and I will never forget, but that doesn't mean we have to rush past an ordinary Tuesday night. Some of the moments we'll miss most someday won't be the ones we counted down to. They'll be the ones we never thought to count.

Fact

Researchers have found that savoring isn't just about remembering the past. It's the ability to notice, appreciate, and enhance positive experiences while they're happening.

Action

This week, notice every time your mind jumps ahead to the next event, vacation, concert, or weekend. Before moving on mentally, find one thing worth appreciating about today.

Question

If you could relive one ordinary day from your past, what would it be?

Quote

"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault