letting go of our expectations

Posted on June 12, 2012

This month in 3008docklands Magazine it is all about letting go of some of our expectations. Going with the flow a little….

What is it about expectations? They have this funny way of creeping up on you, surprising you and then often disappointing you in the process. Admittedly we all have them. But what benefit do they really serve us. I mean, if we are always getting disappointed by them, shouldn’t we just let them go?

‘Expectation’ – the act or state of looking forward or anticipating. So there is a purpose. We all need something to look forward to. But maybe it is rather about “looking forward” as opposed to “expecting” something to be a certain way that we should strive for. If we are constantly trying to predict and anticipate the future we very well may miss the simple moments in the process. If we are always putting pressure on ourselves to be a certain way, achieve to a specific standard or for others to be something and do something … gee I am getting anxious just thinking about it.

Take the moment as it comes. Going with the flow…okay, maybe more simple in words then in action. Unless your expectation is there to challenge you to achieve better and do better, let them go. There is enough pressure surrounding us. There is enough stress. The fine details. The simple details. These are what matter. Letting go a little more is on my agenda for this week. Is it on yours too?

Linking up with Diary of SAHM

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Tahlia

I like red wine, coffee and a good book {not necessarily in that order}. Mum to 2 rugrats, ex-psychotherapist turned tech entrepreneur.

http://wwwamuminthewild.com Penny

Was this written for me? I feel like it was. I have very high expectations of myself and honestly, I need to relax. It’s hard to let go though. I wish I was someone who had no goals, who could just sit around and enjoy life float by. I can’t. I try to realx, I try to put my feet up but I end up creating a to do list in my head. Someone knock me out.. please.
- Tahlia
  
  So hard Penny!!! But we all need goals! Without goals we may feel like we are not going anywhere and just “sitting around” as you say. Sometimes relaxing is hard and I find I so often have to “schedule” it into the diary!. Keep up the hard work.. even if it is a nice late bath at 11pm at night once the kids are asleep…. xx
http://footprintsaustralia.com/blog Janet

I think my HUGE expectations are part of what led me to develop postnatal depression … there was no way reality could compete with the expectations!

I have a friend who says she never looks forward to anything – that way she won’t be disappointed and if it turns out well, it is a bonus. I’m not sure I 100% agree with her though!
- Tahlia
  
  I have heard someone else say that too Janet. Expectations are so common, I hope you are not too hard on yourself but slowly slowly learning how to let go a little. thanks for your comments xx
http://www.pinkelephantsandlemonade.com BossyMummy

I like to think I am a ‘go with the flow’ type of person, but then there are certainly pressures we put on ourselves. Great post!
- Tahlia
  
  thanks heaps. I think having certain pressures is normal for us all. I guess it is how we deal with these too that make a difference. Thanks for your comments xx
http://diaryofaSAHM.net Jess

I’ve been so busy lately, and with such high expectations of myself in getting stuff done.
In some ways it’s been good, but in many others, it is completely exhausting.
I like what you say about ‘looking forward.’ That’s a good way of looking at it.
- Tahlia
  
  Expectations are so hard for so many of us. I guess trying to put a different spin on it can help us all let go a little… Thanks again for your linking party xx
Elisa

Food for thought! I like that suggestion of looking forward, rather than expecting! And yes letting go is on my agenda! X

letting go of our expectations

Tahlia

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