Looking Forward

Note: As I continue to research Advent, I have found that, as with many traditions, there are small differences in how different groups mark each week. Tsh Oxenreider used Expectation, Preparation, Anticipation, and Gratitude. In addition, I have been referencing the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Other groups celebrate Hope, Faith, Joy, Love, or Hope, Love, Joy, Peace.

This week begins our week of Anticipation and Joy. While anticipation and expectation are very similar, there is one key difference that people generally agree on. With expectation comes and attempt to control the outcome of a situation, and greater disappointment if the outcome doesn't turn out as expected. On the other hand, anticipation, is a more generalized excitement about what is to come without an attempt to control the outcome. Anticipation believes that whatever is coming is good without relying on a specific outcome to produce happiness.

I am beginning to feel the shift in myself as well, as we come closer to the completion of Advent and the celebration of Christmas. The preparations are finally well underway, and we are making progress on getting the last Christmas gifts taken care of. In the interest of managing expectations, I have bypassed trying to make any gifts this year, taking pressure off myself. This decision has been a good one for this year as it has allowed me to focus on other things that I am finding value in this year.

By focusing more on my anticipation of the season than on expectations I'm placing on myself, I'm finding that I am making more time to focus on family and friends. I also feel less frazzled going into this last week, knowing how busy it's going to be.

This week, how can you transition from expectation to anticipation. Find ways to share in the joy of the season and take time for the small moments.