Sunday, September 27, 2015

September 27: Writing Prompt #270-A Bend in Time

When you’re giddy with excitement, does time speed up? Slow down? Tell us about the experience of anticipation.

I think for most people, and definitely for me, time slows down when I am anticipating something.  When I have plans after work or vacation is coming, when my son is arriving at the airport for a visit, or when it’s the day to go and pick up our new dog from the shelter, the day moves WAY TOO slowly.  It’s hard to focus or want to really do anything.  I have discovered that as I get older, it’s easier for me to distract myself from the slowing down of time and make it speed up a bit. I do this by getting immersed in my job or duties for the day.  If I’m at work, I get involved in a project to pass the time. If I’m at home, I clean or do all the little things that I often don’t have the time or energy to take care of.  When I’m anticipating an event, my adrenaline kicks in, so I have that extra energy to expend.  With practice over time, I have gotten pretty good at making time pass a little more quickly, so that time moves at more of a normal pace for days full of anticipation.  I do admit, though, that I like the experience of anticipating something.  It gives me something to look forward to in the otherwise very scheduled day-to-day that is my life.  Schedules are fantastic. They make everything run so much smoother, and I am thankful for them, but it’s nice to have a break in the schedule every now and again….just to keep thinks exciting. That’s what the experience of anticipation does; it keeps things exciting!!

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