‘Thinking about the future involves mentally simulating future scenarios, which activates the brain’s reward system and releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and happiness.’ Psychology Today
I am committed to developing myself into a more mindful being. For somebody who has spent many years living with her past and future the ease that I now feel in the present is a gift. I take more time to sit and read, walk the dog, have a coffee outside with Guy, my husband, when working from home and have also started to set aside weekends where we truly wake up with nothing planned. There are even days when I am getting the house to myself…bliss!
I still have to prompt and coach myself with questions that invite me to stop awhile and really reflect on whether I really do have to move on to that next thing on my list, and yes, I do have a list and yes, I do try to adhere to it. For example: Will anybody care if I put the book down and do that? Is that impacting positively on anybody else? Me? Could I make that a little easier for myself? Should I just say ‘no’ next time? So, yes, the present is a fabulous place to dwell.
But growth does not happen without a little uncertainty, a minor change, a little something new. And so the word that excites me, motivates me, urges me to try something different, is ‘anticipation.’ And the question I ask myself…’what’s next?
Last week, Guy and I managed to acquire tickets for the Braemar Games in Scotland for September 2025. We had booked the campsite a few days earlier and had one of the few spots left in the overflow field. But hey this is Scotland; we will just eat plenty of fortifying porridge.
The tickets to the games went on sale on Friday at 9:00, Guy was at the ready and did what he does superbly, demonstrated dogged commitment. By 9:30 when he got through, the covered grandstand was sold out, but he managed two tickets In the uncovered grandstand. Waterproofs will be in my bag!
When he told me I was shocked at both of our responses. Dancing around the kitchen, so happy and smiling with full throttle. Boy, we really wanted this. And so, we are off. Here’s to initial vision and decision making, initial planning, secure process with us both using our god given strengths and now, something to plan ahead for, look forward to and motivate that future present self that makes things happen.
What are you anticipating and can you do anything in this mindful present that increases your chances of success?
‘The roll-out of a new car is always filled with great anticipation; it’s almost like going back to school for a new school year.’ Christian Horner
If you would like to learn more about education psychology, Amazon has some excellent reading.
Paul Dix, When The Adults Change
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