Summer has arrived. These long, sunny days and warm nights bring thoughts of romance to many of my cherished clients. Whether they have a prospective lover in mind, want to improve an existing relationship, or long for romance with someone they haven't met yet, there's a sense of urgency in the air. All of us must think of the future and make plans, but sometimes those plans prevent us from enjoying the present.
Just last night, a client called and told me about the wonderful evening she had spent with her boyfriend. He took her out for dinner to a little Mexican restaurant, he had three musicians in the restaurant serenade her, and later he held her hand as they took a long, romantic stroll along the lakefront. It sounded like a perfect evening, and I told her so. That's when she admitted how the evening had been tainted because the whole time they were together, she kept wondering when he was going to pop the question.
"Why hasn't he proposed yet?" she moaned, before bursting into tears.
I was able to tell her that I felt he would propose before summer ended, but I also pointed out that her expectations were causing her to miss out on the joy of a blossoming romance. The evening with her boyfriend could have formed a beautiful memory that would last her whole life, but instead she'll look back on it with bitter disappointment. What a shame.
My advice to that young woman, as well as all my clients, is to have goals and plans for the future, but enjoy and savor the present. It really is about the journey, after all. And while you're focused on that, your destination will follow.
Blessings to all,
Louise Helene
