Watermelon
I bought a watermelon a couple of days
ago. That is always a large decision for
me. The first watermelon of the season
is taking a huge leap. It creates in my
mind a tremendous sense of anticipation as to whether I have chosen the right
one or I have rushed the season. More
often than not I have jumped the gun and made the wrong decision. Watermelon angst can be debilitating. I waited for a couple of days before I
carefully laid out my watermelon-cutting knife and put down my watermelon-cutting
board. I found an empty WalMart sack to
receive the rinds and with trembling hands made the first cut.
Anticipation takes many forms. The final results from an anticipatory state
of mind can lead to disappointment or great jubilation. I am guilty of extended anticipation. Those who know me well know that I begin
planning very early. The perfect example
is how I approach the planning of the epic summer adventures that I enjoy with
Pamela and Darryl each year. The moment
I know dates and destination I swing into my vacation mode. I begin gathering maps, making reservations,
checking each destination about what is to be seen there and planning my
wardrobe. I start laying out certain
items very early and make checklists as to what needs to be taken. Part of the joy of traveling is in planning
and list making!
The downside of anticipation is that often
the end result can be disappointing or simply not up to expectation. This can simply be not enjoying a dessert
that looked delicious or having a life decision not working. We often hear about the disappointment of
retirement not meeting expectations. Each
day we make decisions of of sort or another.
Often we become frozen in indecision and that can lead to other
problems. The spectrum ranges from
rather inconsequential in most cases all the way to becoming a serious
problem. I always think of poor old J.
Alfred Prufrock who wonders if he dares to eat a peach or wear his trousers
rolled.
Am I promoting the concept of being
non-anticipatory? Absolutely not! What I am promoting is that we gird our
emotional loins and be willing to accept the outcome. I also declare that anticipation can be
joyous, but must be couched in reality.
You are not always going to hit the jackpot, but you can revel and enjoy
the attempt to do just that!
Oh, yes….the watermelon! It was delicious and I am loving it! One of life’s victories! I waited long enough and I picked the right
one.
Happy thumping!
