Navigating Expectations: Finding Balance through Acceptance

Hey there! Welcome back to our cozy little corner where we chat about life, acceptance, and all the twists and turns that come with it. Last time, we went on a bit of a treasure hunt, didn't we? Digging through layers to find the real 'us' beneath all those expectations and 'shoulds' society throws our way.

Today, let's take a different turn. We will talk about expectations - those sneaky little things that often lead us to think, "I should be stronger," or "Why can't things be perfect like in the movies?" Sounds familiar, right?

Here's the thing - from the time we were little, we've been programmed to expect.

Remember how your mom expected you to finish your veggies? Or how you expected your friend to share their chocolate with you? Fast forward to now, and we're still playing the expectation game, just on a bigger field.

Expectations aren't bad. They're like the fuel that keeps us moving, aiming for that promotion, or dreaming of a blissful relationship. But what happens when things don't go as planned? Disappointment city, right?

Let's dive into a little activity to untangle this expectation web. Imagine your life as a circle.

Everything inside is your jam - your likes, dislikes, the way you laugh too loud at jokes, or how you prefer texting over calls. 

Now, picture someone asking you to step outside this circle. Like your boss wants you to be all serious and no-nonsense when you're naturally a jokester. Feels off, doesn't it? That's what misaligned expectations do to us - they make us feel like we're wearing shoes that just don't fit.

But here's a twist - what if we tweaked our expectations to fit reality better? Like, understanding that your partner loves you but isn't the "text 10 times a day" type. Or accepting that life's got ups and downs, and that's okay.

Take a moment to think about one expectation you have - maybe from your job, family, or even yourself. Is it in sync with your Life circle, or is it stretching you too thin?

Let's say you're aiming to be more fit. Your Circle of Influence includes your love for dancing but not so much for gym workouts. Instead of pushing yourself to lift weights, what if you dance your way to fitness? That's tweaking expectations to fit your reality.

So, what's your take? Got an expectation that could use a little reshaping to better suit your circle? Share your thoughts, your "aha" moments, or even your "I'm not so sure about this" musings. We're all in this together, navigating through life's expectations and finding our groove.

Until next time, keep reflecting, keep adjusting, and remember - the most beautiful stories are the ones that are true to you.