Down with Expectations

I’ve recently had to think about how I can process certain emotions. I spoke aloud to myself. I do this sometimes – well, quite often actually. Why is it even when I keep a gratitude journal, count my blessings and all the rest of it, I can still feel sad, mad, etc.? This was my conclusion:

Expectations.

I am becoming more aware it.

And just what the h*ll am I expecting? I can’t even say what it is because I don’t know what I am expecting, exactly.

I have had expectations of people, places, time, plans, projects, and most of all myself. This can put a halt on what I want to do when I expect too much from myself. In turn I expect a lot of what I mentioned above.

Do I think I am empowering myself by expecting … whatever? In actuality I give away my power and channel my energy to nowhere and expect something – from perhaps – the universe. What a joke.

I have allowed my expectations to get a choke hold on me. Could this be the basis of my negative moods and emotions? While I believe in acknowledging all of my emotions, some can get excessive. Well, I think it’s at least a big part of it. I can become fearful and make up stories in my head. When I want to control others and situations, I become anxious, angry, or frustrated when they don’t meet my expectations. This feels like holding myself captive by sources that have nothing to do with me.

Some people say having some expectations is a good thing. While I agree with this to a point, I find expectations fuel my need to control. This can create blocks to something better around the corner. To let go of expectations is often scary. It’s like letting go of a cure for fear of the unknown. It doesn’t help much.

Not taking guff from others is not the same as not having expectations. Having expectations is trying to control others, while not taking any guff is more about taking care of myself and my needs.

I remember a quote that goes something like this:

So, I experimented. I started to practice no expectations from anyone or anything. Almost immediately, I felt a weight lift from me and I felt freer and more buoyant. I felt more peaceful. I am continuing this practice and I feel better than I have in a long time.

I cannot control anyone or anything except myself. When I expect something I assume control and feel frustrated when things don’t go as I expect. What a load to put on myself which isn’t mine to adopt.

When I have no expectations I gain the most precious gift – presence. It is everything in that eternal moment and I’m never disappointed.

How about you? Do you have expectations you are not aware of? Do you feel heavy and tired a lot of the time? Do you feel anxious, frustrated, or angry and don’t know why? Maybe you are taking on something that doesn’t serve you – an expectation. If you let it go, you may discover a surplus of energy that is yours to do with in a more creative and constructive way.

Expectations can bring me down to a very low place. I have experienced it time and again. I also know if I let go of expectations, I let go of a burden that wastes my energy and bogs me with worry about the future. I am then open to receive what the universe may have in store for me. I can take care of the business that is really important … that which is my own.

Is this not freedom?