Have Something To Look Forward To

Do you have something to look forward to? 

Recently, I heard someone describe their week as rinse and repeat. It is easy to see how this can happen as we fall into the routine of daily life. Before one realizes it, a month has gone past and one can question if they are existing or living.   In today’s try this at home tip, I want to discuss why you need to have something to look forward to. I want to approach having something to look forward to from several different perspectives.

Vacations

Vacations tend to be the one thing that everyone looks forward to. It is often helpful to plan/book/begin dreaming about your next vacation after your current vacation ends. It is easy become depressed when returning to a daily routine but having something to look forward to automatically increases happiness. Vacation planning can be a large trip of a lifetime or a great long weekend in your favorite city.  After our Vegas trip earlier in the year, we decided to wait until next year for a big trip. Instead, we have had long weekends with each other and friends.

Seasonally 

Currently we are in the midst of all that Fall has to offer but every season has things to look forward to.  It’s helpful to make plans for the events one wants to enjoy.  After all, there are things that one can’t do at other times of the year.

Monthly Events

It’s important to note that having something to look forward to doesn’t have to cost much money. Every city has activities going on throughout the month. I utilize many of my city’s free magazines at the beginning of the month to consider what activities we may want to attend. I love working in a trip to the Farmer’s Market when I can or going to a local festival. Other events can include girls night out or a concert.  Having monthly events help keep one going toward the future.

Weekly Events

Having things to look forward to each week are what can help prevent the rinse and repeat thought process of daily living. Each weekend, a friend and I go for a five mile walk. It’s a time for debriefing and catching up. Other weekly events can be such things as having lunch at a certain restaurant or Starbucks days (mine are Tuesday and Thursday). In the past I have even made it a point to watch certain tv shows in real time and thus have a tv night. I also look forward to Wednesday and Thursday when some of my favorite podcasts have new episodes. James and I do try to have date night each Friday and it’s wonderful to automatically know that is our time.

Daily

Having something to look forward to daily can include weekly events but it is also important to be mindful of each day. For me it is important coming home to a hug from James. I also have friends who share how they love picking their children up from daycare or school. In the past I have looked forward to workout classes. I am also fortunate to live around beautiful land and enjoy the view on my commute to and from work. [tweetthis twitter_handles=”@how2makealife”]Having something to look forward to can improve your happiness. [/tweetthis]

Now tell me, what are you looking forward to? 

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