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Teyani Whitman's avatar

Oh how I love this essay David. Your rituals of adding a star and writing a new story plus a bear are deeply touching. It’s the way we make meaning of the passing of our years.

Your family will treasure these memories forever.

Vorfreude Is a fabulous concept, and one I noticed back when my daughters were in school…. The anticipation of an event was sometimes what made it so very special. People have lost this concept today in many ways, and are missing out (in my view). Thank you.

You might have inspired an entire essay on this from me 🤭

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David Marlow's avatar

I'm excited to hear that and eagerly await the opportunity to read it!

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even happier's avatar

The recording has no sound! I so enjoy the deep clicks of your voice while also grounding in its telling inflection, so I missed it.

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David Marlow's avatar

I'm sorry that happened. Not sure why as it is working for me. If you tried to listen to it in the email, sometimes Substack truncates the messages so that could be it.

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Emma Steel's avatar

That gives me something to forward to and back for then.

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Yvonne Elizabeth  Aston's avatar

Great article and advice that I have always followed. The anticipation of pleasure, of accomplishment, of acquisition, of building a lasting friendship, of the happiness of a long anticipated wedding or, as in your case, the birth of a child. All wondrous and elevating and exciting. Hopeful anticipation is a foretaste of the glories of Heaven, however you imagine it to be.

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David Marlow's avatar

"Hopeful anticipation is a foretaste of the glories of Heaven, however you imagine it to be." I like that, pondering Yvonne.

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Arnaly Arriaga Blanco's avatar

Being pregnant was the most delightful anticipation ever. I remember I was subscribed to this page that would send me an email everyday telling me what was happening inside, what the baby was doing, what new parts of his little body were developing. I enjoyed every one of those 9 months. Well, at the end I was very ready for him to come out! Hahaha 😂 I couldn’t sit, lay in bed, or stand. I couldn’t barely breathe or go up the stairs. I’m a small person in size and my son was 9 lbs when he was born. My belly looked as if I had swollen a beach ball! 😂

I love all those traditions in your family every time a baby comes!

It’s funny but when I started reading your article about anticipation, the first thing that came to mind was the aroma of the coffee while it’s being prepared.

I hope you will very much enjoy this day with your family! ❤️

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Larry Huber's avatar

I think the greatest aroma to spark anticipation is bread baking in the oven. My. My. My.

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Arnaly Arriaga Blanco's avatar

Agreed!! 😋

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David Marlow's avatar

Oh yes, that is a marvelous example. The smell of bread baking in anticipation of the warm goodness ahead.

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David Marlow's avatar

Cheers! ☕️ Wishing you great coffee and an even better Mother's Day celebration. 🙏🏻

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Arnaly Arriaga Blanco's avatar

Thank you! ☺️

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Scott Boddie's avatar

"Susceptible to a life without the spark of anticipation, devoid of the vibrant energy that comes from eagerly looking forward to something meaningful."

That's really powerful, David.

I often say that I believe empathy exists in the imagination. We cannot have experienced the same circumstance this other person has, and even if we did everyone responds with different emotions and feels them uniquely. We have to activate our curiosity and Imagination even just to be able to relate at all in any compassionate way.

Viewing events in a similar way can have a profound effect in our mindset. What we notice as abundance, and what things we can persist in being grateful for. This creates the real estate where we allow our mind to reside, more there than somewhere else. The spaces in between leave room for growth.

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David Marlow's avatar

The spaces between...🙏🏻

I always love the extension of the idea you bring to the conversation. Thank you for sharing your gift with us!

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George P Farrell's avatar

Great advice on a day that did not start out well. I anticipate a better afternoon.

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David Marlow's avatar

Here's to a marvelous afternoon and the wonderful time of anticipation in between.

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