UXL Blog

For those of us in the “frozen north,” we’re still slogging through winter, but spring is finally in sight! Even though the cold weather might linger a while longer, it’s great to have something to look forward to. Besides, it is beneficial to anticipate exciting future events. It has been found that looking forward to and planning for a vacation can be even more satisfying than actually taking the vacation!

Of course, it is important to live in the moment and be present, but if things are less than great right now, it’s a good idea to anticipate positive events in the future. So, let’s put some joy on the calendar!

You might look forward to…

Events

Anticipate holidays and birthdays, and start making plans to celebrate! Why not make someone’s birthday (or your own!) extra-special this year? Even if you have to celebrate from a distance, you can still plan some nice long-distance surprises. You could send little gifts over the week, send edible treats, or (if the person lives locally) decorate their lawn with flamingos or a few lawn signs with balloons. Remember the joy of celebrating your birthday as a young child? Why not bring some of that joy back?

Observations

As we approach spring, consider making a “Bingo card” of sorts to track your springtime observations. Look for the first flower, the first leaf, the first blooming lilacs, the first robin, the first time you hear a lawnmower or smell freshly cut grass. You might also make predictions about when the last of the snow will melt or (if you live in Minnesota!) when the last bit of ice will clear from the lakes.

You might notice other things, too, about the changing seasons. Observe the sunrise or sunset, notice the air growing warmer, see outfits begin to change from heavy sweaters and coats to lighter (and probably more colorful) garments.

Noticing little changes in your surroundings can help give you a deeper appreciation of the world around you. You are part of the changing seasons and cycles.

Small Joys

Small delights can help infuse our days with joy. Getting a haircut, scheduling a massage, or purchasing a new pair of hiking shoes are little ways you might create joy for yourself.

You can play an active role in elevating your own mood. Think about the things that bring you joy. Maybe you love being outdoors, painting, photography, or simply learning new things. You could schedule a mini vacation to indulge some of your interests (even if you schedule a staycation for catching up on your reading list, that counts!). Another idea is enrolling in a class to pursue an interest or learn something new (stained glass making, Spanish, baking croissants, knitting). You might find a class online, through a local university, or through a community education program.

Let’s infuse our lives with a little more joy! Start adding fun events to your calendar and enjoy the anticipation, as well as the event itself. Life doesn’t have to be serious all the time, and it’s healthy to look forward to fun events.

MARGARET SMITH IS A CAREER COACH, AUTHOR, INSIGHTS® DISCOVERY (AND DEEPER DISCOVERY) LICENSED PRACTITIONER, AND FOUNDER OF UXL. SHE HOSTS WORKSHOPS FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED CAREER OR PERSONAL GUIDANCE. 
CHECK OUT MARGARET’S ONLINE LEADERSHIP COURSE. 

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