Something To Look Forward To

I just submitted my application to an MSW program. This would be my second master’s degree. I’m not 100% sure that I’ll go through with it even if I am accepted to the program. Right now, I’m okay in my current field, although I definitely have moments when I’m sure I need to be doing something different, and that that something should be counseling.

 

So, my thought process basically is that I’ll apply, see if I’m accepted and what scholarship options there are, and decide then whether it makes sense for me to start the program.

 

Also, I just don’t know how I’ll be feeling about life in a few weeks. My sister will be married, the summer will be fast approaching, and it just may be that I’ll need something really good to look forward to.

 

I think what’s helped me stay positive a lot of the time in the past few years is always having something to look forward to, whether it was a big multi-week project, a trip to E”Y, or just an activity for one afternoon. 

 

We all dream about things we would love to try, learn, experience, or accomplish in our lifetimes. Why not choose one or more of those dreams and just…commit to pursuing them? (A word about money: It’s good to build up savings, but think about what you are ultimately saving for and whether investing some of that money in yourself might actually be another way of reaching the same end.)

 

So, if you’re looking for something to look forward to, some suggestions:

Go back to school. The years will pass either way.

Get certified in something to enhance your current career, or start a business on the side.

Learn to play a musical instrument. Weekly lessons are a gift that keeps on giving.

Take a class in a new skill like painting, pottery, photography, tennis, or rock climbing. Or investing, app design, Japanese, copyediting, or integrative nutrition.

Buy a cookbook (I have my eye on this one) and flag all the recipes you want to try (and then try them, of course).

Plan and go on a vacation. Travel!

Make a list of day trips and work your way down the list.

Make a list of restaurants and work your way down the list.

Buy or make artwork.

Take a personal growth course and/or work with a therapist. You are what you bring to every relationship and situation.

Start a blog.

Start an organization.

Write a book.

If you’ve done a lot of great things already, move the goal posts and keep pushing forward.

 

If you have any more ideas to add to the list, please post them! What do you plan when you need something to look forward to?