This post has been written specifically for The Prompt creative writing linky. The prompt word was ‘anticipation’. I have also added it to #TheList linky.
Try as I might, I have, for the third week running, failed to write any fiction, which is what I like to do when participating in #ThePrompt.
Since the publication of my book, I have been swamped. It’s not just being short of time, but the fact I need a clear head to write prose.
I’m still very busy following up various avenues and I seem to have a constant ‘to do’ list of tasks whirling round my head. This mind set does not help me think creatively.
Even so, the prompt word has inspired me. I associate it with many things, including the following;
- Waiting at the airport lounge arrivals hall for my wife, or a relative who lives overseas that I rarely see
- Hearing about my eldest daughter’s day at school when I collect her in the afternoon or about my youngest daughter’s morning at nursery (if it’s one of the mornings she attends)
- The email confirming some lucrative work has come my way
- The taste of a good, single malt whisky or a really good French wine
- My wife getting home slightly earlier than usual to help with cooking dinner of putting the kids to bed
- The hope for bright sunshine and a blue sky on a spring morning
Looking at that list, I note it is the very simple things I anticipate most. It reminds of something the great humourist, writer and religionist Rabbi Lionel Blue once said. I paraphrase, but he said he could find happiness in a “bowl of custard or a good game of bridge.” Often the smallest things are most important.
For me anticipation is mostly positive. I think I anticipate the good things and dread the bad. I also anticipate that one day soon I will find the time to do some creative writing again.
Pic credit: Brian Robert Marshall. Sourced from Geograph.co.uk and reproduced under Creative Comons agreement.
19 thoughts on “Anticipation; a positive emotion”
I think I share the same sentiment regarding anticipation: that the simplest things are the ones I anticipate happening the most–like my husband getting home from work, or my daughter waking from a nap in the afternoon. I hope you find inspiration to write creatively again as well. I understand how difficult it is to not only find the time, but the right mindset as well. Hopefully, it’ll come for you soon 🙂
Reading your blog is really making me reflect on my own life. I’m going to leave work 30 mins early so I will be home to help with dinner !
Oh wow, I’e made you reflective1 I hope it’s all positive stuff!
I love that its simple. Its the little things in life that are important. Very sweet #TheList
Thanks Jules, I htink we often miss the importance of the small, simpkle things in life.
That’s a great list and you’re right, it is the simple things that are most valued. I love the feeling you get at the airport when you are waiting to go on holiday. Reading that has made me look forward to our trip next month. Hope you get chance to write some fiction soon – we miss you!
I’ll come back just as soon as I can! All a bit manic right now. Glad you liked the list.
Simple things bring us the greatest of pleasures. Enjoy your moments xx
They do Tracey…and you have put it very simply yourself!
I’m feeling exactly the same at the mo John
Pressed the publish button on my book, then three minutes later life went c-r-a-z-y!! Best of luck with your list. Have a fab weekend 🙂
Solidaritary Renee!
The simple things give life meaning, I think you seem to anticipate all the right things and it’s a really healthy list. #TheList
I’m glad you think it is a healthy list (the wine and whisy are taken in moderation, obviously).
It’s true John that quite often it is the simple things that make us the happiest.
I’m glad you agree. It’s easy to focus on the big stuff too much.
I think you’re absolutely right, and it really is the simple things that we enjoy anticipating the most. And, I love your list 🙂 Thank you so much for sharing with #ThePrompt x
Thanks Sara, the little things really do matter.
I definitely think anticipation is for a positive event, it is what makes you feel like a kid again. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x
As ever, thanks for hosting!