Anticipation.

Many of the things we do each day are like hospital meals, they fill in some time, satisfy a need, not much else. They certainly don't inspire the joy of anticipation or fond recollection. We just do these things because they are there, it appears they have to be done, such is life.

Anticipation is one of the great joys of life. When I'm walking to a gig without that can't wait buzz I know I'll soon be leaving that band. The same is true when I'm on my way to meet a girl. When the anticipation of seeing her fills me I know I'm on a good thing, when it is a relationship that just fills in some time, satisfies a need, it is time to go.

There is an old trick. When you are dressing for dinner, or she is dressing for work, ask her, politely to wear some specific underwear you like. She will complain that it doesn't go with what she is wearing, but she will secretly like the idea. She will spend the night or day in anticipation, wondering what you have in mind for when you get undressed later, her most intimate attire will remind her constantly. You won't need to have anything in mind, by the time you get home she will throw you on the bed. Anticipation is one of the keys to sexual excitement. A warning for young players, this trick is to be deployed sparingly, it will lose it's spark, anticipation is a fickle bird.

Anticipation can't be faked, it is an honest feeling. Dentists know that no one looks forward to seeing them. Hookers know that all their clients are eager. It is sad when something that once excited us becomes tedious, inspiring anticipation becomes more difficult as the world becomes more weary of itself. There are tricks that will help but without the genuine feeling they are just tricks.

The happiest, most creative people I know are those who never lost their sense of wonder. Anticipation is that wondering what will happen next for grown ups. It relies on deep love for the person or the work, it also relies on constant reinvention, the wonder of the new. To inspire anticipation in others we need to continue evolving, growing, being wonderful in any way we know how. To be open to anticipation of people or events we have to see the world through fresh eyes each day, see her as a new woman every time she undresses, see the work as a new challenge every day.

There are realities in life. Big hospitals must keep costs down, do what they can with what they've got. A sprig of parsley garnish won't change those realities. Maintaining that feeling of anticipation for the people and work we love is essential, keeps us going through the dull bits that pass time, satisfy needs.

Parkstreet.
www.kentparkstreetblog.com