photo by Heather Luxion
I was thinking about expectations today and the fact that they really can be both good and bad (at least for me!). I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve set myself up for disappointment by putting all these expectations of greatness upon another person, a trip, a particular event or situation, etc. only to realize after the fact that if I’d gone in without an assumption that things were going to be “epic-level amazing” or “the best thing ever” that I would have been able to better enjoy the situation at whatever level it came in at.
After contemplating my own feelings of frustration at expectations and wondering if it really is a bad thing to have them in all cases, I decided to scrounge around online for inspiration and other viewpoints. Here are two quotes I found:
“The best things in life are unexpected -
because there were no expectations.”
— Eli Khamarov
“The expectations of life depend upon diligence;
the mechanic that would perfect his work
must first sharpen his tools.”
— Confucius
I think these two viewpoints together best sum up my own conclusions on the subject: that like so many other things in life, having expectations takes walking a fine line of balance and moderation. It’s a mixture of having hope without being too attached to the outcome of the situation (balance of hope/expectations and detachment/flexibility), of dreaming and wishing for what you want while also following these aspirations up with hard work and effort to make them happen. Ah, life, you do keep us on our toes!!
I’ll end with one last quote, one that has reminded me to “just be” and let things unfold naturally:
“Never idealize others. They will never live up to your expectations.
Don’t over-analyse your relationships. Stop playing games.
A growing relationship can only be nurtured by genuineness.”
— Leo F. Buscaglia
Just how I like it, Leo. Straight up honest opinion, no frills.
Monthly Theme/Goals – June!
'Goal Setting' photo by Angie Torres
For the last few months I’ve been setting a particular theme for each month, with corresponding goals to match said theme. March was all about health and wellness (goals included taking a 15-20 minute walk first thing every morning and adjusting to waking up earlier). The idea behind April was widening my local social circles, so goals included trying new social outlets and going out for purely social purposes at least two or three times every week (trying to meet at least three new people at each place!). And May brought about major spring cleaning, finishing off old to do lists, clearing old beliefs, and other such greatness with the theme of cleansing. (Good stuff!)
Annnd, now June is all about going to places I’ve never been before. It can be anything from checking out local spots that are new to me (today was pretty chill with a visit to the one branch library I’d never been in before) to traveling to, and sightseeing in, whole new areas (I’m headed down to Georgia for about a week or so near the end of the month). Early summer-like weather here has brought about an intense desire for new adventures for me, so this is my way of fulfilling that desire on a daily basis (without, you know, having the ability to jet off to a new country each day!).
Part of this goal for June also includes keeping myself accountable and tracking my newly visited spot (or spots) each day by posting something about it, either over on twitter or here on this blog (depending on how newsworthy — or not — it really seems to be!).