Anticipation!

Lately, I’ve been knee-deep in anticipation over our upcoming trip abroad. For me, the anticipation and planning for a trip is at least half the fun as the actual trip experience. I mean, when you start imagining what the experience will be, then you learn a little more about things to do or see, the imagining gets more vivid and enticing.

Just talking about it gives me the giggles. Why is that?

Is the expectation of something new and unknown that thrilling? Cuz when you think about it, it could be just the opposite. The unknown can be kinda scary and nervewracking. And the discomfort of the unfamiliar will often hold us back from making decisions or seeking new opportunities in our day-to-day lives. Speaking for myself, of course.

“The idea of waiting for something makes it more exciting.” Andy Warhol

But throw off the humdrum, everyday shackles and I’m ready to fling myself head first into the abyss . . . or at least into strange surroundings.

Makes me laugh just writing about it. At home when a regular, working-just-fine schedule or ritual is upset, I can really get my feathers in a bunch (is that a saying?). Anyway . . . . take me away and I’m a let’s-throw-caution-to-the-wind-and-do-whatever kinda gal.

The freedom, or the perception of such freedom, creates a wild abandon feeling inside of me. I’m more open to whatever comes our way, to trying different foods, looking for new things to do, exploring outside my comfort zone. And forget about schedule. Even if we have one, if something more interesting presents itself, the schedule is out the window at a moment’s notice. It’s exhiliarating.

At this ripe-ening age, I would like to incorporate a bit more of that devil may care attitude into my daily living, just to make sure I miss fewer, if any, opportunities or experiences afforded me now. Because, as they say, if not now, when?

Perhaps the possibility of looking silly doing certain things holds us back at home. I know there are times when “age appropriateness” gets in my way. Case in point. For years, I’ve wanted to go to a particular music venue in L.A. with friends. However, for insurance against looking too old and out of place, we all thought it would be good if their daughter and her boyfriend (now husband) went with us as camouflage. Funny, right?

Not really. Why do we care if we look out of place? Will the music sound any different?

I guess my point in all this is two-fold.

First, I don’t want to get old in my heart, mind or soul by letting fear or “appropriateness” hold me back. I want to keep on living, regardless of my age, as me, exploring everything that interests me, exercising my curiosity to its maximum capacity. Like when I’m in a different country.

And secondly, I’d like to greet every day with close to the same anticipation that a trip to a new place generates in me.

Think about that. Why shouldn’t we be giddy about another new day? The possibilities for each day are limitless, so why not throw ourselves into it and greet each morning as though we’re stepping off that plane into an unknown world.

With that in mind, and since this retirement thing is still new and definitely different, I think it’s time for me to practice staying more open, expectant and eager with each new day I’m lucky enough to be given.

So, as I’m preparing for our upcoming journey abroad, with all the delicious anticipation it brings, I’m going to pack a journal so that I can record those times, those feelings, when the start of each new day brings a sense of eagerness and joy.

Then, when I get home, I’ll have a handy reference to remind myself, not only of a wonderful trip, but of the adventure that awaits me with each daybreak.

Till next time,

Judy