140 – Anticipation

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I like walking on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

My day started on the balcony watching the sunrise. Standing and waiting for the Sun to peek over the horizon, the brilliant sky heightened anticipation as I waited for the official start of its journey on the way to full exposure. Sunrise is a time of anticipation – but I can see anticipation also applying to sunset.

Before leaving for my walk, I heard Carly Simon’s Anticipation. I chuckle thinking about how advertisers used the song in a ketchup commercial many years ago. My sunrise experience and the song gave me the topic to ponder today.

Photo by Alena Shekhovtcova on Pexels.com

Anticipation – that feeling we get in advance of something happening. Anticipation may involve the known or the unknown and anxiety or excitement may accompany it. Anticipation may also be worrisome, eager, or apprehension.

As I pass a fisherman, I realize anticipation involves anxiety or excitement and patience. No matter the time of day, they calmly sit in a chair while watching their collection of fishing poles – all in anticipation of the next catch that may become dinner.

I pass a family with two children enjoying a day at the beach. As parents watch their children, I notice the older son anticipating the next wave with excitement – waiting for the right wave to crash upon him. Meanwhile, the younger son nervously watches the out-of-reach waves and displays his nervousness with fingers in his mouth. But big brother is modeling for his younger brother that there is nothing to worry about because it’s fun.

Seeing those boys reminded me that children live a life of anticipation – anticipating something or someone: a present, a visit, a trip, an event, a time, and more. Time slowly moves for children because they live in anticipation of something that seems to take forever to arrive. Suddenly this lyric by Carly Simon seems fitting: Anticipation is makin’ me late – Is keepin’ me waitin’.

Photo by Ivan Samkov on Pexels.com

Anticipation is keeping a watchful eye while waiting for a special person to arrive – anticipating the first sighting, the first eye contact, the first smile, the first embrace, and the magic that follows.

Anticipation is receiving a wrapped gift, then wondering what is inside. Anticipation is the excitement at the start of a sporting event. Anticipation is waiting for the curtain to rise to start the show. Anticipation is hoping to be lucky enough to dance with a highly-skilled dancer. Anticipating is waiting for an important phone call or the time to discuss test results with a doctor.

I laugh as I think how some people embrace Thank God it’s Friday (TGIF) in anticipation of the weekend, But I say TGIF sets a person up for OCIM – Oh crap it’s Monday.

I think back to my youth – a time when the new model year of cars filled anticipation. Dealers wrapped new cars in secrecy by covering showroom windows to shield the public. But that time has passed, so the anticipatory magic of new cars is gone. Today’s life seems so immediate. Has anticipation been replaced?

I may be a male, but pregnancy comes to mind. The couple anticipating their first child and then eagerly waiting for pregnancy’s confirmation. Anxiously anticipating knowledge of the child’s gender. The months of anticipating turning into, “I can’t wait until this is over.” Suddenly, anticipation leads to the joy of holding the newborn in their arms for the first time.

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels.com

I imagine most people anticipate a positive future. Life is full of anticipation, including anticipating reactions and possible consequences of our decisions.

Anticipating what is coming over the horizon, around the corner, or over the next hill is one thing. But someone anticipating the death of a loved one in their last days is not easy – nor does it make the final passing easier.

No matter the person or their age, anticipation is a very-much part of life – and probably more than we realize. After thinking about it, anticipation is very human. I wonder if anticipation makes any difference? On second thought, I’m sure it does! After all, the anticipated moment may deliver more than expected. Then again, under-delivery may occur.

My past teaching experience tells me anticipation and learning are linked. After all, thinking about anticipation has been a learning experience for me. But in the end, thinking about anticipation has been a good thing as I walk because I like walking on the beach. It is good for the mind, body, and soul – and refreshing on my feet.

See what other bloggers have posted about Anticipation

• My Hands Shook with Anticipation (a short story)
• Anticipation (a photo by a visitor and past collaborator here)
• In Anticipation (a poem)
• When Anticipation Meets Reality (a personal essay)
• Anticipation (a poem)

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