The importance of looking forward.

Andrews Beach, Jekyll Island Georgia by Valena Forgione.

Each year in January and February on Jekyll Island, Georgia, a very cool game of hide and seek takes place.

Known officially as the Island Treasure event, locals and visitors alike can take part in the tradition. Jekyll Island officials scour the country for amazing artists who create one-of-a-kind glass floats.

Every day during January and February, Beach Buddies hide a much less expensive version of these floats around the island so that seekers can find them.

Once found, they can be turned in for the real glass float and kept along with bragging rights for having found an island treasure.

We discovered this cool tradition when we first moved to the Golden Isles. It’s something our family looks forward to each year though, much to our chagrin, we have not yet found an island treasure.

Nevertheless, between September and December, I find myself anticipating the search.

Searching for Island Treasures, Jekyll Island, Georgia January 2022.

While the weather is ideal most of the year, January usually finds me searching for these island treasures in a winter jacket, warm hat, and anticipating wind burn from the gusts coming off the water. When thinking about the Island Treasure hunt, the picture that comes to mind is always complete with remembering the way the wind feels as it gusts over the upturned cheeks of my smile.

I look forward to this valued family time searching for treasures unknown the way children look forward to Christmas morning.

How often do we give ourselves unexpected things to look forward to?

Birthdays, Christmas, Thanksgiving, the 4th of July… most people expect those here in the United States. We know they are coming regardless of whether we celebrate them or not.

They are expected.

But how often do you get to experience the feeling of anticipation that encircles you when you are looking forward to something?

Beyond the fiscal goals you set for your business, have you given yourself something to look forward to this year? Something you can anticipate without stress? Something wonderous and exciting?

Setting intentions and working with focus to achieve those things is fantastic. So, also, is planning something fun to look forward to just for pleasure.

This week I encourage you all to take time to plan something fun to look forward to! Count down to it. Allow it to bring you joy as you anticipate it over the days and weeks ahead.

When the time finally comes, savor it. Force yourself to plug into it fully and truly enjoy the experience.

Nothing like adding a little, “young at heart” into your lifestyle.