The past year's taken a toll on everyone.

Constant headline news, quarantines, social distancing, you name it.

Days feel like they blend together and we're just living in one big, endless continuation.

Once things start to open back up I'm sure things will start to feel normal again, but I've spent a lot of time thinking about the concept of always having something to look forward to.

I can't remember where I first heard this idea, but I'd like to implement it in my life:

• Plan a vacation with family every 6 months
  

It could be a quick 2-day road trip, or an extravagant week-long getaway.

Either way, it gives you something to constantly look forward to because once vacation's over, there's another one coming.

I don't know about you, but the anticipation of an upcoming vacation is almost more exciting than the vacation itself.

Imagine the number of memories you could make with your family.

In my opinion, happiness is a cycle of new shared experiences, and then reminiscing on those memories.

And it doesn't necessarily have to be something as big as vacations.

It could be as simple as trying a new restaurant every month.

Whatever it may be, just don't forget to give yourself something to look forward to.

‍(while remembering to be present & grateful in current time)

_{Essay #1}