In the midst of this two week freeze we are currently enduring, I am seeing signs of hope that spring is around the corner. Birds are singing in the mornings. I can tell there is more light at 6:00 AM when I rise. Buds on some of my trees are swelling, and I see daffodil leaves pushing through the soil when I’m on my neighborhood walks. We may be in the grips of winter, but spring is coming.
Currently, I am dreaming of four upcoming trips, three of which are overseas, all of which will occur before the summer is even out. Making these plans and preparing for them are also keeping my mind off the frigidness. In fact, I thought that an upcoming trip to Costa Rica was especially well-timed, but I see now that we will be experiencing a warming trend here at home while I’m gone. It will be even warmer there though, and I will bask in the sun, practice yoga, eat healthy foods, hike to waterfalls, read by the pool, and have the chance to develop old and new friendships.
I feel like I am always looking ahead.
Yes, I can be in the moment. Grandchildren have a way of doing that for me. They are young enough that they can only be in the moment, and me with them. I don’t even really make plans ahead of time for or with them. I view that as a gift. Just playing at whatever they want to play at the time.
You might have heard that the younger generations prefer to spend their money on experiences rather than on things. I can relate to that, although I’m not exactly of the younger set. It’s why I prefer to travel and have adventures rather than purchase luxury items. Although I do love to anticipate these trips, it’s actually being present in the moment that brings the most joy.
My little toy car also brings me joy.
I recently traded in my 2017 Mazda Miata MX-5 for a 2021 model. At first blush, you might think this goes against my previous statement that I prefer experiences to objects. The Miata is absolutely a sleek and sporty object. But it’s the experience of driving it that juices me. I don’t necessarily go fast, but I love the rev of its motor and the way it handles the road. I am mindfully present in the moment while I’m driving.
Which brings me to my “present” dilemma.
I’m finding it hard to reach out to bookstores and libraries in an effort to get my newest memoir, Life Hikes, out into the world more broadly. The book has been written and published. It feels like it’s over and done. Time to move on to something else, a new project, rather than dwelling on the one that is complete. But if I want people to read it—not because I want to sell more books, but because I think the book has messages that need to be heard and can be empowering—then I need to take its marketing more seriously.
It’s much more fun to dream of future plans! Finding the right balance is the key.