Sorting Out our Expectations
Or, save your energy for more important things
Do you remember, when you were a child (perhaps), and you had a desire which you were certain was going to come true? Maybe you thought about it day and night, visualizing the glorious day when the desire would become reality. I remember those days. Believing that I could simply think something into existence. Not thinking that I had any part to play in the materialization of my desire. Seeing dozens of my presupposed deadlines pass by, until, ultimately I would move onto another desire. In children we call this phenomenon imagination. We may promote it in a child, as it is often a gateway to creativity.
In adults, unfulfilled expectations can have a different impact. Resentment, anger, or depression can be side affects. Instead of building and defining a person’s being, lost expectations can cause internalized thinking and a closing up of motives and desires. Disappointment all to often becomes a character trait. ‘Hateful’ people are often drowning in disappointment, lashing out at others whom they judge as happy or successful.
Whew, this is kind of a negative story. Stay with me for just a few more points, on the way towards a happy place!
