It has been a thousand times observed, and I must observe it once more, that the hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasing than those crowned with fruition.

Looking forward to something is usually better than having it. Anticipation has no disappointing details, the imagined version is edited, and the wanting itself is a pleasant state to be in. Arrival is over quickly and is followed by the odd flatness that catches people out every time.

Since the waiting is the best part, spend it deliberately rather than rushing through it. Keep something on the horizon at all times, and make it modest enough that it will actually arrive. When the thing comes and feels smaller than expected, treat that as the normal shape of it rather than a sign you chose wrongly.