I’ve learned that when I lower my expectations and appreciate what I do have, I keep my sanity and serenity intact.
I used to expect a lot from people, especially at work. I thought if I knew how to do something, they should too. AND, they should do it the same way I do. Then, I would get angry if they didn’t. It was a recipe for a stressful day and a stressful way of life. I now view people who annoy me, or are just plain mean, as spiritual growth providers.
Now I try to find ways to be appreciative even when things aren’t going the way I think they should. I try to see things from other people’s points of view and try to discover alternative ways of doing things.
I love learning new ideas.
I’ve discovered when I practice appreciation instead of expectation I don’t feel anger or disappointment. When I appreciate, I feel satisfied with what I’ve got and can then have a clear mind to work out whatever changes might need to be made for the future, as opposed to dwelling on the negative and how I wish I could change the past.
I can’t change the past. So I might as well focus on the future.
A wise woman once told me (today, actually), if I’m going to fall, fall forward, not backward.
I’m also learning (it takes practice, I’m still working on it..) to stop projecting my knowledge and fear on other people. I can’t reasonably expect people to know what I know unless I tell them.
And I can’t know for sure what they think of me unless they tell me.
The New Super You 