My metaphorical treehouse is where I share ideas that are helping me nourish the roots of what matters most. Recently, I shared what is helping me cope with the unpredictability and angst being felt in our daily lives. I was blown away by the positive response it received and the actions it sparked. My idea resonated so deeply with my readers that I wanted to make sure it reaches everyone who could use it right now.
Here is my Corner of Light idea and what sparked it…
Over the past few weeks, it’s occurred to me that I have been existing in survival mode. The sense of overwhelm I have felt has caused me to hyperfocus on the challenges of today – so much that I forgot about the upcoming joys of tomorrow.
Anticipating positive future events – no matter how small – is scientifically proven to boost our mood, increase motivation, and reduce stress. I’d even go as far as saying looking forward to something can be lifesaving.
My daughter, Natalie, reminded me of that fact as we traveled to her first half-ironman competition in December. When her beloved college shut down unexpectedly, leaving her without a swim team for the first time since she was five, Natalie turned to triathlon training. Over the past six months, she has experienced challenges acclimating to a new university and living situation – but through it all, something helped significantly.
“Somedays, my training session to prepare for this race was the only thing that got me out of bed,” Natalie explained.
Looking forward lifted her from the depths.
Natalie’s example has inspired me to be more intentional about identifying positive events to anticipate. Research shows that merely anticipating a positive future event holds more benefits to our well-being than the event itself! Psychologist Kelly Nardella teaches clients to harness the good feelings that come from anticipation by making the future plan concrete. This could mean talking about your plans with someone, writing down special dates or starring them on a calendar. It could also mean displaying symbolic objects that spark a sense of anticipatory joy.
As a visual learner, I decided to create a Corner of Light in my kitchen where I feature items that represent future events I am looking forward to. They include:
- Seeing my second-born daughter, Avery, graduate from high school in May
- Gathering with a small group of like-hearted women at my Soul Shift retreat on March 7
- Opening Day for the Atlanta Braves baseball team on April 4
- Seeing Mat Kearney in concert on April 27
- Watching the flowering tree we planted in memory of my father-in-law, Ben, bloom in March
- Enjoying the return of the Mourning Dove couple to their nest on my porch this spring
- Watching Natalie compete in her second half ironman on Mother’s Day
When I shared my Corner of Light idea in Rachel’s Treehouse, the overwhelming response brought me great joy.
One reader wrote, “Anticipation of activities and things we enjoy is a very basic thing that all of us can and should take advantage of. I particularly like your Corner of Light as a reminder that there are many good things to look forward to, and the fact that it doesn’t have to be static can be a great comfort. Changing the symbols as time passes is a good way to keep things fresh, and to avoid having the corner turn into something that loses its meaning.”
Several other readers used the comment section of the post to document their own anticipation lists. I smiled when one noted, “Wow, I feel happier and lighter just writing this list.”
Another person was inspired into action. She wrote, “Thank you for the inspiration to go outside, listen to the birds and soak up the bright sunshine. I feel more optimistic already,” she wrote.
But there was one comment that has acted as an accelerant on my desire to create moments of light for myself and others right now.
Rafael wrote, “Your essay has helped me see there can be a calming and healing effect from looking back on happy times in the past. When I have trouble sleeping, which is a lot, it helps me to recall happy things we’ve done and special places that we’ve been. My wife needs a walker and a wheelchair to get around, but we once were very active. I think that looking back on those days would be mostly painful for her, but I am eager to give her more things to look forward to.”
Thinking of this couple’s rich collection of memories bringing comfort to their current days inspires me to keep planning enriching experiences and being the magnet that brings people together.
I realize now that this is what I look forward to – to joyfully persist in living life despite outside forces hoping I’ll wither and give up.
Given the challenges and unknowns currently facing our world, there will be days when it’s hard to get out of bed. On those days, I will go to my Corner of Light for tangible proof that good things are coming.
And in my little corner of the world, I will be part of that good.
INVITATION…
I recently decided to make room in my Corner of Light for an opportunity to host an experience I knew I would look forward to and would also offer a sense of anticipatory joy to others. The same renowned travel company that organized my California National Parks adventure last fall has selected me to lead their first-ever group travel experience in Hawaii in October 2025. While it is not yet open to the public, I am delighted to share an early booking link with my online community. I welcome you to look at the trip itinerary, as well as my teaching topics, by clicking here. If this feels like a bucket-list trip for you, you can book your spot without delay (trip opens to the public tomorrow). Feel free to share the link with a friend if you feel inclined. There are ten spots available, and the first 8 receive a $99 discount.
For those interested in an in-person experience with less physical engagement but equally enriching curriculum and community connection, there is one week left to register for my Soul Shift retreat at Kripalu, located in the serene mountain vistas of western Mass on March 7-9. The curriculum and pace of this workshop will mirror a gentle transition from winter to spring—slower, reflective, with space for both rest and renewal. The nurturing setting and supportive community create the ideal environment to uproot the weeds of self-criticism, plant seeds of self-acceptance and joy, and quietly open to the promise of what’s to come. There are 19 beautiful souls registered. Perhaps you are meant to be #20! This will be my one and only Soul Shift retreat offered in 2025.
