“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting” ― Andy Warhol
In today's world we are no longer having to wait for anything, with the click or swipe of a button we can speak to anyone, anywhere in the world. No more waiting for that beautiful and thoughtfully handwritten letter to arrive in the mail box with news from family member or friend living far away.
It's not just the way we are able to instantly interact with each other that has changed significantly. We are now eating fresh strawberries in the middle of winter, when temps are -20 degrees C and the ground is covered in snow. And well if you want Christmas cake in the middle of summer - you just bake it.
We are even managing to control our exposure to the seasons (and not just for health reasons). Hate winter, well if you plan carefully (and are able to do it) you can live in summer year round. After all traveling has become much more affordable - and it's always summer time somewhere in the world. And again with technology many are able to work anywhere - so why not work from a seaside table in the tropics, when the rest of your friends and colleagues are digging out of the latest snowstorm back home.
Anticipation and all the wonderful emotions that accompany it are slowly losing ground to INSTANT GRATIFICATION. Children no longer wait for Christmas, birthdays or other special occasions to receive that special gift they WANT ... they are learning if they ask for it, they get it NOW. And as adults we are "treating" ourselves more and more than our parents would ever have treated themselves.
All of this instant gratification is making us less appreciative of things and people in general.
Here are somethings that I'm doing to put anticipation and all that it creates back in my life:
1. limiting my email, texting interaction with family and close friends (leaving things to write and share in point 2. and 3 below)
2. writing more personal letters/cards to family and friends
3. actually call and speak with family and friends at least 2 times a month
4. make and maintain a list of things I would like, and come up with a saving plan to purchase the items - instead of just going out to purchase them. (this also helps control impulse shopping)
5. read more books .... the anticipation of how a novel will end is priceless
6. only give special gifts for special occasions ... instead of because it's so cute or it will look great on them - now.
7. plan and host a meal at our home more than a week ahead of time
8. plan outings with Mr. G., family and friends for a couple months out
The above points not only help to create excitement in looking forward to something, by looking ahead you are planning and taking steps in creating the life you imagine for yourself.
How are you keeping Anticipation alive in your life?
or do you find you are living the Instant Gratification way?
Keep in step with High Heeled Life ...
