Discovering the Power of Anticipation

By Daniel W. Trathen, D. Min. Ph. D.

What makes the holiday season so special? For some it is looking forward to celebrating the spiritual significance of the season. Others look forward to the buying of gifts and anticipating the response of the loved one who opens our special, thoughtful purchase. Still others of us can't wait to see what "I got" under the Christmas tree. For others it may be the memory of the decorations, smells and tastes of the season. It may be a combination of some of each of these as we remember the past, and visualize what this coming holiday will be like.

When I was 7 years old, I remember going to downtown Detroit to Hudson’s Department Store with my Dad and brother to visit Santa Claus and see the decorations and toys. There were, and have continued to be many good holiday memories for me over the years. However, there is a very important underlying reason to all of this, which is the mental process of anticipation. I anticipate the holidays more today because I give advance thought to them in ways that bring about certain expectations. The sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the season are events that trigger positive memories and lead to my anticipation of this year's celebration. This is one reason there may be so much "let down" for people after the holidays. The anticipation will be over, the religious services will be over, the gifts will be opened, the decorations taken down, the dinners and special "goodies" eaten. Here lies an important principle in maintaining positive mental health. Anticipation is not only for the holidays! The lost art of anticipation is a curative factor for stress, depression, and discouragement. The lesson is to have something (small or large) to look forward to everyday, every week, every month, and every year. It may be a few moments alone or together with a partner, friend, child, or grandchild. It may be a special telephone conversation or reading a good book or watching a favorite television program. It may be a date, or planning a brief get away or yearly vacation, etc. Whatever we look forward to acts as a catalyst in helping us get through difficult and stressful times. Even though we may be having a difficult day, week, or month, we can chose to focus and think about the special time or activity we have planned. This is the process and power of anticipation! We are more hopeful when we look forward with positive expectation. The reality of life is that our days will have periods of difficulty and high stress. So what is one solution? Always have something to look forward to! Start planning now for January and February.