Expectations

Expectations are a funny thing. They’re the cornerstone of outcomes. Have you ever said to yourself, ‘I never expected for this to be my life when I reached this age’? Did you ever expect for someone to do something, then were extremely disappointed when they didn’t? Is it even possible for expectations to be met?

When we work towards something, then it doesn’t materialize as we expected, that is a sad moment indeed. So, why have expectations at all? Why do we even assume our life is going to run according to our expectations of ourselves or others?

To me, expectations are better looked at as roads to travel rather than the outcome itself. If we have a desire, like writing, or selling our art pieces, or getting a particular job, it feels better to me to simply do the work and let the rest take care of itself. When I write a book, if I have the expectation that it will sell well and people will just love it, I might find my hopes dashed. There are many reasons why a book doesn’t sell, one being the flooded market of written materials available and coming out every day. However, if I do the work, put it out there with no expectation as to what happens next, I can enjoy the ride. I can learn from the experience, adjust my approach to future novels, rather than simply give up if my expectations are not met.

The one place I find expectations valuable, however, are the ones that relate to our own way of walking around in the world. My personal expectations are for me to be the most honest, authentic, kind, giving, and loving as I can be. My expectations are that I remain curious, nonjudgmental, and as open as I possibly can. These are things I have control over. I have control over my words, my thoughts, my actions. The world may throw me curveballs, but my expectation is that I will find a way to knock it out of the park.

What are some of your expectations? I’d love to hear.

Ciao for now.