This morning, I was thinking about the future.

And how now, in some ways more than ever, it’s become a friend I’m excited to see again.

This last year has been so difficult for millions of people, in a myriad of ways, some of them hard to fathom. It’s also offered gifts and the chance to slow down. Some have re-evaluated and made meaningful changes.

This week was a challenging one for me. A moment in time where isolation felt heavier than usual. My desire for  friends in my home, and giving hugs to loved ones was felt more deeply.

I noticed my mind taking leisurely strolls down ‘this might never end’ lane, and became aware of how important keeping a firm grasp on the other side of this really is.

We’re all familiar with the importance of appreciating and living in the now, this moment. “Stay out of the past!” “Stop craving the future!” they say.

But a little future gazing is important and healthy. Especially when you’re going through something difficult. 

It reconnects you with hope.

It could be a pandemic, an illness, a loss of any kind. It could be something you’re healing from, and it could be the search for something better – a home, a job, a partner.

At times like these, when obstacles seem momentarily higher than our ability to step over them and keep going – whisking ourselves off into a better future can be good for the soul.

Allow yourself to —

Imagine communities opening up again
Imagine being back with your loved ones
Imagine stepping into the new job
Imagine your heart wiser and open again

Because you and I know, with certainty, that this will pass. The world will re-open, and if we stick at it – if we hang in there – if we keep doing our part (keep dating, keep job hunting, keep reaching for healthier options) – eventually we’ll wake up to a better day.

So revel in your dreams.
Continue healing.
Don’t stop applying.
And watch intently for the other side of this.

It’s coming.