How often do we put expectations on people, circumstances, situations, events, even ourselves, and then we are disappointed when they don’t turn out like we expected?
I am reminded of a time many years ago when I was going to a Christmas party for my spouse’s new work. I bought a new dress, spent all day getting ready, nails, hair, the works, had his suit, laid out, and so forth. I was excited to meet his boss and coworkers, etc. In my mind, I was this sort of “arm candy,” and we were both going to turn heads when we entered the room.
But as the night went on and we mingled, he continually introduced mi, “this is Michelle,” not “this is my ‘wife’ Michelle.” I remember at the time I was hurt. I felt insignificant, unworthy, unimportant, and spent the whole night disappointed. We ended the night at home having a big discussion about it.
Looking back, I realize the issue was on mi and not him. See, I had set a stage in my mind, for a certain scenario and unintentionally set myself up for disappointment. I have since come to realize I used to do that a lot.
I tended to set a standard so high for myself that I expected that for everything and everyone around mi.
I think we all do that at some point. We “expect” people, situations or circumstances to be a certain way and then end up disappointed, hurt, let down or even feel betrayed when those expectations are not met.
If that sounds like you, STOP IT!! Sometimes you have to let go of the picture of what you think should be and learn to find joy in the story you’re actually living.
I realize now that I have missed so many wonderful moments and experiences and overlooked some wonderful people by waiting for the potatoes in my life to turn into pizzas.
