The Moment, before the Moment.

“"Well," said Pooh, "what I like best -- " and then he had to stop and think. Because although Eating Honey was a very good thing to do, there was a moment just before you began to eat it which was better than when you were, but he didn't know what it was called” -Winnie the Pooh

I had to read this about three times before I actually got it. Once I did, it made perfect sense. The moment, right before the moments we love--that is the most precious. I started thinking of my own life in this way...under this light. Everything I've ever wanted, and the moments just before I held them in my hands...was that the most precious, did that make me happy? It would be contrary to what the world thinks---the world would tell you that you need to be in possession of something to truly feel the joy of having it, but this is not the moment Pooh describes as his happiest. It wasn't the act of eating his most favorite meal..it was a moment he couldn't describe.

But along these lines, I can't help but question, was Pooh talking about the anticipation of that thing or the moment before actually getting it or perhaps a little bit of both. If he was speaking of the anticipation then, can't the mere experience of wanting something so bad override the having of that thing itself? I think maybe this is why sometimes we find ourselves so dissatisfied once we have the things we think we want. It simply comes down to the fact that we've desired something for so long that we realize we fell in love with the desire, the drive, or the want of whatever it is, more than the thing itself. It's happened to me plenty of times. You find the perfect pair of shoes, outfit, or perhaps the mere fact of having more money in your pocket thrills you--only to find yourself throwing on older shoes, a comfortable outfit, or recognizing that life was simpler without the money.

Or maybe...it's not just about the anticipation...maybe, Pooh simply meant that although we appreciate what we have, only just before we get it when all the world things "no big deal," can we fully and wholeheartedly feel the happiest.

It's sometimes the quiet experience--the ones we can't describe without fireworks and sound--that leave our tummys most content.