Expectations

My horoscope today suggested that in order to have a better day, instead of barking orders and expecting things to be done immediately, I should change my expectations. That got me to thinking. Perhaps changing expectations is a better way to get through every day; regardless of the horoscope and the planetary alignments. Does that mean lower one's expectations? I think not. I think it mean aligning expectations with reality; regulating where we set the bar. If the bar is set too high, we will be consistently disappointed. However, by setting the bar at a challenging yet achievable level we can reach that point and then raise the bar again. Disillusionment is the result of unmet expectations, yes? Perhaps having no expectations is the answer altogether?

This leads me to wonder what my expectations are and how I might be able to adjust them so that I experience more satisfaction. I realize that having expectations of other people is ludicrous unless we are willing to share those expectations. It makes sense to let go of those. Telling someone what I expect is easier than holding it in and then experiencing frustrations when those expectations are not met. And, in the end, I cannot control others. Conversely, personal expectations can be regulated, adjusted, and controlled. So what do I expect of myself?

Hmph. That requires some thought.

I am sure I expect myself to be honest and to live with integrity. I expect to be work hard and to feel satisfaction from my work. I expect to be cherished my friends that I love and to be respected by the colleagues who's opinions I value. I expect to earn these things and I expect to be disappointed if my actions prove unworthy. I expect to be able to have some fun and to build adventures from time to time. Finally, I expect to be loved although who loves me is unexpected.