^{Essay #1}

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 heard this idea from but it's something I'd like to implement 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. But 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.

And it doesn't necessarily have to be something as big as vacations - it could be as simple as a workout you look forward to, going for a walk, or trying a new restaurant every week.

Just imagine waking up with enthusiasm and excitement every day knowing something you enjoy outside of work is right around the corner.

_{Originally published early 2021}