An expectation is a resentment under construction
At first, it didn't quite make sense to me. But then, one day, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was drowning in pain, and it finally clicked that my expectations were at the root of all my resentments.
I had no idea, but these unmet expectations had been weighing me down, causing me frustration, pain and disappointment.
From that point forward, I made a conscious effort to let go of unrealistic expectations. I could embrace acceptance and gratitude (even begrudgingly) for what life had to offer, rather than clinging to rigid expectations that only led to more disappointment.
It all starts with a simple decision…
Socrates once said: “The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new.”
TRUTH!
5 comments
Thanks. Thought provoking Dave.
The unrealistic expectation is getting "everything" done. The way I can help protect myself is setting a realistic schedule of my time and giving myself breaks as well working through the days projects with a timer.
The unrealistic expectation that everything can go my way. I get irritated a lot because most things around here are not on my timetable. I have another human being living in this space. I need to learn to breathe; pause; accept things have changed; and live in the moment peaceably in order for me to have peace, NMW. I need to adjust ("I" underlined). I can't change someone else (or whether he wants to get up when I want him to sleep so I can have my alone time, lol).
I generally take some pride in the fact that I don't set a lot of expectations for people and places and events - it keeps me free from a lot of disappointment. Expectations with myself? That's another story. Thinking I should be, have, or do this or that... leads me to feeling frustrated and defeated when I don't meet those expectations. I need to be just as patient and understanding with myself as I am with others...
I often expect people to read my mind...like my hubby. I need to make sure to ask for what I need to get what I want. When I do that there's no question that resentments markedly decrease and I am a much happier camper! NMW
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