Field Notes: II
Anticipation, Angling, and Alignment
A Line to Live By
“The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.”
— Joseph Campbell
We are in a season of gratitude. Often, we focus our gratitude outward—family, friends, food. But we forget to be grateful for ourselves.
Gratitude for all that we have is essential. But it should be complemented by gratitude for who we are.
You’ve been given the privilege to lead an epic life. Make sure to remind yourself, not just during the season of gratitude, but every day.
Be thankful for all you’ve been given. Additionally, be thankful for yourself.
Field Insight: The Gift of Anticipation
For as long as I can remember, the holiday season has come with an intense sense of anticipation. As a child, anticipation revolved around the presents under the tree. As an adult, it lies in time with family and friends.
What I’ve realized is that anticipation is a gift in itself.
The chatter among friends about who will be home.
The imagining of what lies under the wrapping paper.
The planning of which of our favorite dinners we’ll cook while everyone is together.
All of it provides joy long before the moment arrives. And once the event passes (or sometimes while it’s happening), we are already dreaming up the next thing.
I’m a proponent of enjoying the present moment, rather than projecting to the future, or lingering in the past. However, I also believe humans are wired to anticipate what’s to come. We might as well work it to our advantage.
This week’s insight is to not let the gift of anticipation be limited to the holiday season. I’m in the process of planning a backpacking trip with a friend in August. It will provide me with eight months of joy before those epic five days even arrive.
I recommend doing the same. Whether it’s lunch with a friend, or a trip across the world. A week from now, or a year from now. Get something on the calendar.
It helps you stay on target in day-to-day life when you have something to look forward to. It makes you more interesting. And, it’s fun.
The Rub
I’m on call this week for Thanksgiving and the holiday weekend. I’ll be there for the people who need it, which is rewarding.
Nothing frustrates me more than feeling like my time, attention, and resources are not my own. These moments remind me exactly why I’m building a life of independence and self-reliance.
But as always, one step at a time.
Provisions
A Read: The Last Season
I backpacked the area where this takes place last summer, which is what got me into it. Reminds me a lot of Into the Wild, another one of my favorite books. A great story about a true life of adventure, and the gravity of nature.
A Listen: God Needs the Devil
I love songs that make the day feel like a scene out of a movie. This song is one of them.
Gear: Memo Notepads
Taking notes on your phone makes you look distracted and uninvolved. Taking notes on a memo pad tells people you’re paying attention and you have your sh*t together. It’s as analog as it gets. I recommend joining the club.
Moment From the Road:
I made it home last weekend for an early Thanksgiving celebration. Naturally, I headed for the mountains with a fly rod in hand.
Something to Chew On
What about yourself are you thankful for? What’s something you take for granted within yourself that you should recognize?
That’s all for this week. Enjoy Thanksgiving and I will see you next week.
Really enjoyed the point you made about the difference between taking notes on a notepad vs on a phone.
Just put memo pads on the grocery list.