Contemplate the Possibilities

There’s a buzz on campus again as everyone is gearing up for the start of the semester. There are also a lot more visible smiles around here too, thanks to the vaccines. People are planning and getting ready for the return of a couple of thousand students. Stressful, sure, but incredibly exciting. We all are planning, preparing, dreaming, and anticipating the semester ahead. 

I have been thinking about the word ‘anticipating’ this week. One of its definitions is “contemplating the possibilities.” I really like that definition and I want to make sure I contemplate the possibilities as I prepare for the fall semester. 

The thing is, for me, worrying about the possibilities is a more natural occurrence than contemplating them. Perhaps it is for you, too. There has been plenty for us to worry about during this pandemic.

Anticipation, though, brings with it dreams and hopes while worry brings with it fears and trepidation. Anticipation allows for awareness and curiosity while worry brings constriction and mindlessness. 

When we worry, we live in a fearful future that has not yet happened, allowing us to easily dwell on troubles that do not yet exist and catastrophize the possibilities. But, when we anticipate and contemplate, we can dream about the hopeful possibilities of the semester. 

So my hope for each of us as we prepare for a semester in person is that we anticipate and dream what could be rather than worry about what might not even happen. Sure, that’s probably easier said than done. However, I do know that dreaming and hoping is better for our hearts and souls than worrying. So may you have a moment today where you choose to contemplate the possibilities and may that bring you peace and hope.