I try not to have expectations, but I can say sometimes people surprise me with their kindness. Sometimes things as simple as letting me go in front of them in a grocery line:)
Like others have said, I am trying not to have expectations, easier said than done however. I have been working hard on staying open, going with the flow. I am also working hard on visualizing my day ahead, setting the intention for “all to go well”, for attracting what I want, not what I don’t want. I am a work in progress. 😊
I don’t have too many expectations and the one’s I have are pretty basic. Although, I am learning to not always expect the worst. Things are going to go the way they’re going to go. Just because I’ve planned something, doesn’t mean it’s going to go as planned. My expectations can get in the way of being present and available to the moment.
Like others who have commented, I’m working at not holding expectations. Those are a recipe for disappointment.
One arena does come to mind and that’s my daughters, who are grown women continuing to evolve and mature. Of course I carry within me the memory of them as babies, as little girls, as teenagers. They are smart and funny and caring *women* now. I can still be surprised when they do something that demonstrates their insights and knowledge, and perspectives that aren’t simply a mirror of what I raised them with.
My Day constantly challenges my expectations. After I complete my morning routine I am excited to tackle my to do list. “I am going to crush it today”! Then noon rolls around and I failed to meet my expectations. Then it’s dinner time and only half of my list in complete. The good that comes out of it is that I learn about my distractions and focus on staying on target and I end up accomplishing more each day. “Progress – not perfection”!
I was also confused with this question. I once heard the phrase expect the best but be prepared for the worse. That sounds grim but changes occur so often that I have to relax and enjoy what comes. So my answer would be to the challenge relax and appreciate what is. On we go fellow seekers!
Everyday life. When I stay open instead of assuming an experience or task will be hard or unpleasant, I often find that my initial expectation was way off base.
I’m reminded of this gem from Byron Katie, “Reality is always kinder than your thinking.”
I am not sure I get question either. But if I think about Kevin’s answer related to the body, I think it is my body too. I expect I will be able to do all the things I have always done like climb a ladder to wash windows. But the difficulty for me and concern of others are saying not so much climbing these days. I don’t like it but it might be protecting me from a fall and the results.
My body. There are times when my body says to me, “not today, we are not doing that!” Somewhere down deep I know that it is for my own good even though I am not happy about it.
Thanks, Kevin. You helped me make sense out of the question. I could answer it now with your exact words. I go to the pain clinic next week and I hope the doctor will understand when I say, “I hesitate to let you block the nerves in my mid-back because my body may not be able to give me a warning signal when I find myself attempting to do something I shouldn’t.”
Antoinette, I’m so sorry you are going through this. I often use a river as a metaphor for living. Being carried along. Not fighting it, but surrendering to the current. When I stop resisting, I notice all the things around me as I float along. The trees, the birds, I feel the water.
Also, reaching out to others that are suffering can be a blessing. It seems that the broken ones help the broken.
I hope you feel better soon. ❤️🩹
Keep your chin up Antoinette! When I am scared I listen to podcasts. It keeps me company and I feel good about myself because I am using the time to learn about something new.
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reality
When people are unexpectedly kind, generous, proactively smile. It surprises me, and then I think “ah, there they are”.
I try not to have expectations, but I can say sometimes people surprise me with their kindness. Sometimes things as simple as letting me go in front of them in a grocery line:)
Yes, I have that recently and it was a kind gesture just when I needed it.
The way things are, rather than how I imagine they are or will be in my mind. ☺️
Like others have said, I am trying not to have expectations, easier said than done however. I have been working hard on staying open, going with the flow. I am also working hard on visualizing my day ahead, setting the intention for “all to go well”, for attracting what I want, not what I don’t want. I am a work in progress. 😊
I don’t have too many expectations and the one’s I have are pretty basic. Although, I am learning to not always expect the worst. Things are going to go the way they’re going to go. Just because I’ve planned something, doesn’t mean it’s going to go as planned. My expectations can get in the way of being present and available to the moment.
Like others who have commented, I’m working at not holding expectations. Those are a recipe for disappointment.
One arena does come to mind and that’s my daughters, who are grown women continuing to evolve and mature. Of course I carry within me the memory of them as babies, as little girls, as teenagers. They are smart and funny and caring *women* now. I can still be surprised when they do something that demonstrates their insights and knowledge, and perspectives that aren’t simply a mirror of what I raised them with.
My Day constantly challenges my expectations. After I complete my morning routine I am excited to tackle my to do list. “I am going to crush it today”! Then noon rolls around and I failed to meet my expectations. Then it’s dinner time and only half of my list in complete. The good that comes out of it is that I learn about my distractions and focus on staying on target and I end up accomplishing more each day. “Progress – not perfection”!
I was also confused with this question. I once heard the phrase expect the best but be prepared for the worse. That sounds grim but changes occur so often that I have to relax and enjoy what comes. So my answer would be to the challenge relax and appreciate what is. On we go fellow seekers!
Everyday life. When I stay open instead of assuming an experience or task will be hard or unpleasant, I often find that my initial expectation was way off base.
I’m reminded of this gem from Byron Katie, “Reality is always kinder than your thinking.”
Laura, Thank you for sharing the Byron Katie Gem – “Reality is always kinder than your thinking”. Yes!
Thanks, KC, for the Byron Katie gem – she and her Work are wonderful!
I am not sure I get question either. But if I think about Kevin’s answer related to the body, I think it is my body too. I expect I will be able to do all the things I have always done like climb a ladder to wash windows. But the difficulty for me and concern of others are saying not so much climbing these days. I don’t like it but it might be protecting me from a fall and the results.
My body. There are times when my body says to me, “not today, we are not doing that!” Somewhere down deep I know that it is for my own good even though I am not happy about it.
Thanks, Kevin. You helped me make sense out of the question. I could answer it now with your exact words. I go to the pain clinic next week and I hope the doctor will understand when I say, “I hesitate to let you block the nerves in my mid-back because my body may not be able to give me a warning signal when I find myself attempting to do something I shouldn’t.”
Thanks for your note, Carol. Wishing you the best of luck in your upcoming appointment.
Warm wishes to you, Carol, in you pain clinic visit – may the outcome be at least sort of a good one 🙂
In a good way, love constantly challenges my expectations.
Life is full of everything- I’m doing my best to let go of expectations. Feeling so lost and scared-
Antoinette, Holding you in love … ❤️❤️
Antoinette, I’m so sorry you are going through this. I often use a river as a metaphor for living. Being carried along. Not fighting it, but surrendering to the current. When I stop resisting, I notice all the things around me as I float along. The trees, the birds, I feel the water.
Also, reaching out to others that are suffering can be a blessing. It seems that the broken ones help the broken.
I hope you feel better soon. ❤️🩹
Keep your chin up Antoinette! When I am scared I listen to podcasts. It keeps me company and I feel good about myself because I am using the time to learn about something new.
I try not to have any expectations, it’s hard, but I do try to make an honest effort at it.
Love your answer, Michele. Positive attitude and expectations are not the same thing.
Thank you Michele . That’s how I feel .