Always Look Forward..

I’ve written before about my wonderful grandma that lived to be almost 106 years old. Ha…I accidentally just typed 206, but I caught the mistake…you would have been REALLY impressed, eh? I remember one time somebody asked grandma what kept her going, and she replied with “I always find something to look forward to in the future”. It was true. I can recall her telling me at various times that she had to live long enough to have her 100th birthday party, or see my college graduation, to see some of the great grandkids get married, or the birth of her first great, great grandchild..then the second…and third! She wanted to see my son that was born on her 84th birthday graduate high school. She wanted to see my parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.  She always looked forward to our big family Christmas celebration!  🙂 There were so many things, and all of those things kept her going!

We All Have Rough Days

Let’s be truthful. Life can often be depressing for many of us. Sometimes it’s just hard to focus beyond today, and if today happens to suck..well, that’s all we think about. I know several people going through major struggles right now. My friend and I were just talking about this yesterday. We have both been feeling “blah” recently, but can’t pinpoint an exact reason why. I haven’t even put up all of my Christmas decorations yet (my oldest son threatened to come over and do it himself). This time of year is difficult for many. If you are one of these people, you may be looking forward to the end of this season, and the beginning of spring in a few months. One year I spent my entire winter drawing up plans for my raised bed garden in the spring. Focusing on the future really did help to lift my spirits. Believe it or not, there is always reason to look forward. On days when I feel sad, I think about grandma and I start making plans.

My “Staycation”

This month I’m looking forward to a “staycation” from work. I’m looking forward to Christmas movies, baking cookies, and spending at least one entire day in my pajamas drinking coffee with Bailey’s Irish cream in it! I’m looking forward to evenings with nothing but the light of the Christmas tree. I’m looking forward to a night out with good friends, a night out with my sister (she just doesn’t know about it yet ), seeing at least one movie in the theater, watching the faces of the grandkids opening gifts, and celebrating a new year with my family.

Easier said than done?

I’m not saying it will always work. Some days even I think it’s all a bunch of bull. Some days it’s just easier to wallow. Remember my pity party (a term I got from my late sister Lorna)?

 https://cookiesandcursewords.com/welcome-to-my-pity-party

Wallow if you must, but when you are finished..find something to look forward to in your future. Just having something hopeful to cling onto can make a world of difference..and there is ALWAYS something. Maybe it’s a big event coming up, or maybe it’s something as simple as a warm, sunny day.

 I’m telling you, my grandma was a very smart lady!

I’m LOOKING FORWARD to hearing about your plans in my comments!