Living Without Expectations: A Journey Toward Joy and Gratitude

Life is more fun when we don’t rely on expectations to define our happiness. It is only when we come to the realization that the source of our joy shouldn’t be external circumstances or outcomes that we can truly enjoy life.

The Imperfections of Life

Life is inherently unpredictable. The more people you interact with and the more complex the events or circumstances, the higher the probability of encountering things that are unpredictable. This reality can often be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be if we learn to cope with it.

Laura Ingalls Wilder famously said, “persons appear to us according to the light we throw upon them from our own minds.” When we stop being full of expectations, we can see people in a new light—one that is less colored by our opinions and expectations.

The Impact of Excessive Expectations

Perfectionists often find it harder to get along with and are less enjoyable to be around because of their multitude of expectations. By setting ourselves free from these constraints, we can become more approachable and fun to be around.

Some might ask, “But isn’t it important to have expectations?” The answer lies in the difference between 'expectations' and 'expectancy.'

Understanding Expectancy

Expectancy involves approaching every situation with a positive attitude, having faith, and maintaining a hopeful heart. It means giving your best shot and then letting go of the outcome. When you do this, you handle the things that don’t go your way with grace. This approach not only leaves you better equipped to deal with life’s nuances but also makes you a more appealing person to be around.

Think about the people you like most. They are likely individuals who handle situations gracefully and maintain their character standards regardless of the outcome. These are the people who not only you but others enjoy spending time with. When more people embody this mindset, life becomes more enjoyable and less fraught with disagreements and discord.

Dedicating to Gracious Living

May we all join the tribe of those who respond with grace. May this joy and positivity infect more and more people, creating a world where disagreements and discord are minimized.

Life is more fun on the expectancy side!