Anticipation

My wife asked me if I would mind blogging about Anticipation. I, of course, said, "No problem!" Why, isnt important at this time, but here I am. Anticipation. Webster's Dictionary defines Anticipation as the following:

Main Entry: an·tic·i·pa·tion
Pronunciation: \(ˌ)an-ˌti-sə-ˈpā-shən\
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 a : a prior action that takes into account or forestalls a later action b : the act of looking forward; especially : pleasurable expectation
2 : the use of money before it is available
3 a : visualization of a future event or state b : an object or form that anticipates a later type
4 : the early sounding of one or more tones of a succeeding chord to form a temporary dissonance — compare suspension

A good definition, but, as with anything Webster'esque, a little dry. So, I found this:

Anticipation or being enthusiastic, is an emotion involving pleasure (and sometimes anxiety) in considering some expected or longed-for good event, or 'irritation at having to wait'. Robert Plutchik listed anticipation as one of the eight basic emotions in his psychoevolutionary theory. See also hope. A name for pleasured anticipation is excitement.
Anticipation can be shown in many ways; for example, some people seem to smile uncontrollably during this period, while others seem ill or sick. It is not uncommon for the brain to be so focused on an event, that the body is affected in such a way. Stage fright is a type of anticipation, stemming from the actor or actress hoping that they perform well.

This makes sense to me. An emotion involving pleasure. Who of us hasnt known that? 'Irritation in having to wait'? I know we've all experienced that. Whether it be waiting to hear if we got 'the job', or, are we going to see that 'special someone' soon, or in general, is something we really want to happen, going to happen? The next three words surprised me, because they were only three little words, but so powerful:

See also Hope.

Hope.

The positive form of Anticipation for sure. There's no downside in hope. Hope is looking up, looking out. Longing. Anticipation. It's interesting how agonizing hope and anticipation can be, when it's in regards to something or someone wonderful, that you really want. Beautiful torture in some cases. How do you handle it? Relaxation techniques. Accept it and tackle it head on. Anticipate the unknown and pre-plan a rational way to deal with it. Let time create a managability. Throw your hands up and decide that fate will what it may? Or, maybe, by chance, do you embrace it for all it's worth and really sit with the moments?

Everyone has a different way of coping with anticipation, anxiety etc. Whether you use one of the ones previously mentioned, or have your own, I dont think any are wrong. If it works for you, do it. Make it your own. I suppose the best any of us can do with anticipation, anxiety, good or bad, is plan, prepare, practice… and then go with the flow.