Expectations are a tricky thing. They show up under the guise of being good for you since they offer direction and commitment. But in reality, all expectations do is cause disappointment. Almost every single time.
I don’t know about you but I’m not a fortune teller. I don’t know how I’ll wake up tomorrow feeling. I don’t know if my power is going to go out. I don’t know what colleges my daughters will end up at or if they’ll even want to go to college. And setting expectations for any of those things, for anything really, pigeon holes me to one outcome. When there are many outcomes that are possible. It leads to disappointment and for many, a loss of faith.
I’m not saying not to have goals or dreams or desires. I’m just saying let those be your guide instead of the expectations you have for them. That’s faith. Placing something in front of you and then starting to walk towards it because you have faith that THAT is what you want.
I know it’s not easy but let go of expectations. Or at least start practicing letting them go. Let go of expectations for yourself, expectations of others, expectations for what you think this world should be like. By letting go, you’ll make space for those dreams, for those goals, for those desires. That path is more likely to get you where you want to go.
Love you all!
Rabbi Gabi