Vorfreude

The joy of anticipation

“Happiness lies in the imagination, not the act.

Pleasure is found first in anticipation, later in memory.”

Julian Barnes

The Family Mailbox by David Marlow ©2023

Audio narration by David Marlow

Definition.

Vorfreude: (n)

vor·freu·de /ˈfɔːrˌfroiːdə/

1: The joyful anticipation of a future moment, a feeling that fuels purposeful excitement.

I have a fondness for discovering words that enrich our language and offer profound meanings. Among these treasures is "Vorfreude," a German term that encapsulates the exhilarating sensation of eagerly awaiting a future moment with a sense of purposeful excitement.

Risk

The absence of Vorfreude leaves us susceptible to a life without the spark of anticipation, devoid of the vibrant energy that comes from eagerly looking forward to something meaningful.

When we fail to embrace this idea, we risk being drawn into a cycle of mundane routine, disconnected from the thrill of anticipation that drives us toward purpose.

We find ourselves simply going through the motions, missing out on the profound joy that arises from looking forward to all the potential our future holds.

Opportunity🌀

A world of possibility unfolds before us as we embrace the Vorfreude, inviting us to experience life in a whole new light. Anticipation breathes vibrancy into our days, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary.

Picture waking up each day excited, knowing that the hours ahead hold moments of significance and potential. By eagerly anticipating what's to come, we infuse even common tasks with delight, elevating the quality of our experiences.

Our relationships deepen, and connections thrive as we share the beauty of looking forward to what lies ahead.

Incorporating this mindset requires only a willingness to embrace the present moment with the hope of what's to come.

So, imagine walking a path illuminated by anticipation guiding you toward a life bursting with meaningful moments, purposeful connections, and a journey unfolding with excitement.

Story

As I write this, I’m experiencing a special moment of anticipation. My new grandson is due any day now.

A number of rituals are a part of the arrival of my grandchildren.

One, they get a star on the family mailbox.

Marlow Family Mailbox Stars

There are ritual processes about all of this. For this baby, a boy code-named Rambo, we began making the star with the other grandchildren a while back. The original stars are no longer available, so I have to refashion them from some others.

Lots of sanding and painting go into making them just right. Rambo is not his name, of course. My daughter and son-in-law also like to drive up the fun and anticipation by keeping the name secret until after their babies are born.

Once Rambo is here, we will have a ceremony placing the star on the mailbox.

Another anticipation ritual is picking out the exact right classic teddy bear. Not just any teddy bear will do. We checked out over 50 before deciding on one. Each one gets a special name and story written by me and a photo to go along with the meaning of the name.

I haven’t named this one yet. Rambo’s nursery theme is outdoors, so I was thinking something along the lines of Huntley. Not quite sure.

Then, for Rambo’s first Christmas, we will gather as a family and read the Christmas Story from a compilation of the Gospels. Something we do each year, and as the kids get older, they ‘help’ me read it.

‘E’ is the only one who reads so far, so the ‘help’ is limited, if you know what I mean.

All of these rituals add to the vorfreude or anticipation and fun of waiting for the baby to arrive.

Application.

Embracing the Spirit of Vorfreude

Let's explore practical ways to integrate this spirit into our lives and Ikigai journeys:

🌱 Savor the Little Joys: Carve out a moment each day to anticipate something simple yet delightful – it could be that first sip of morning coffee, a heartfelt conversation with a friend, or a peaceful moment in nature. By anticipating these small joys, you infuse your daily routine with a touch of enchantment.

🌱 Celebrate Milestones: Shift your focus from the destination to the journey itself. Celebrate every milestone, regardless of how small, as a testament to your progress. By anticipating and honoring these markers of achievement, you infuse each step with significance and motivation.

🌱 Create Rituals: Establish rituals that kindle your sense of anticipation. Whether it's a weekly treat you look forward to or a special weekend activity, these routines provide a structured space for joyful anticipation, enhancing both your present and future.

One of my favorite rituals is my morning coffee. I make a ritual of selecting the beans, grinding them, and then watching as the espresso fills my rocket cup.

With anticipation at full power, I savor that first long sip of bitter goodness. Find something you do like that in your own life and amp it up to a fun ritual.

🌀Reflection.

Here are three questions to encourage you to incorporate anticipation and excitement into your day.

1. What's a simple, everyday moment you can infuse with anticipation to make it more joyful and meaningful?

2. Reflect on a recent milestone or achievement. How did the anticipation of reaching that milestone impact your journey and overall sense of fulfillment?

3. Consider a creative or leisure activity that brings you joy. How might you enhance your anticipation for this activity, making it a source of purposeful excitement?

🌀 Remember: No matter what has come before, today is a fresh start. 🌱

Let’s make things a little bit better. 🌱

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