Have you seen Season 4?
One evening, my fourteen-year-old daughter woke me up around 12:30 a.m. in a panic. She had just watched a scary episode of Outer Banks, a Netflix show that featured near-death experiences and frightening plot twists. She just needed a hug and some reassurance before I tucked her back into bed.
The following day, I insisted that she stop watching this series. However, she protested. Amelia claimed that watching this show proved to her that she would be extremely wealthy in her future.
Interesting, I thought. Self-righteousness and compassion swirled in my head.
“Amelia, laying in bed watching Netflix shows late at night will not make you rich,” I said trying not to smirk.
“Don’t worry, Mom. I know that,” she said, rolling her eyes like I was stupid. “You see, I watched Season 4 of Outer Banks months ago. Now, I’m watching earlier episodes. Yes, I got scared during Season 2 last night, but I just needed a hug. I know everything works out in the end. The characters end up alive with the treasure in Season 4. It’s just like how I can picture myself super wealthy and rich in the future. I can see THAT super clearly, too.”
Wow. This is what vision looks like for a fourteen-year-old.
We all have scary parts within our current season. Vision is acknowledging the current hardships, seeking support, and still believing in a better season ahead.
This is how I got through my breast cancer journey. When I was newly diagnosed, I met a woman who had the same double mastectomy five years earlier. She showed me what my future could look like after surgery. Her reconstructed breasts looked real, and she was thriving. Because of her, I could see past the immediate pain and fear. She was my “Season 4.”
Close your eyes. Even if you are in a tough season right now, what can you envision in your long-term future? If you can see it, you can create it, and build the resilience to get there.
Define your “Season 4”, picture it, believe it, then joyfully experience it. I sure hope Amelia does, too.
