EXPERIENCING EXPECTATIONS
Let me begin with a few clichés on ‘Expectations’:
'Expectations lead to Frustration' -some Hollywood bloke
'Expectation is a root cause of all
Heartaches' -William
Shakespeare
'Complete Acceptance and zero expectation
are the Golden rules to life' -some
Saint/Guru guy
'No Demands, no expectations fling is the
Best type of Relationship' -my
Lame friend
Well, they all say THE key to happiness is to not expect
anything from anyone or anything.
That's the funny thing about expectations, it is RIGHT THERE!
Whether you know it or not, whether you want it or not, whether you 'expect' it
or not! I will relate it to the constant nagging voice inside us, which we
drown with a truckload of rules, logic and practicality or just maybe drown it
amidst all the cacophony!
To expect unconditional loyalty from your person, the sticking
up for you in an argument by a friend, good return on investment, value for
money, acknowledgement and appreciation are some of these little expectations I
am referring to. Moreover, we expect too much from ourselves as well. But to
expect is only Humane! It is totally all right and completely allowed.
Why is it that we are so troubled when we do not get the expected?
More than the betrayal of expectations, it is the occurrence of the unexpected
that bums us. We invest our time, energy in something that turns out to be
totally unworthy of, happens, doesn't it? That exotic dish, just feels
overpriced as it doesn't match the expectations of our taste buds. We give,
give and give some more to expect that Perfect relationship only to find out
that we are headed for spiltsville. We bet our money and expectations on the
last over of the match, which doesn't turn out well!
Reinforcing what I said, there is nothing wrong in keeping
expectations. It is a part of us, a part of the flow of our emotions and
completely natural. You don't have to go against it and force yourself to
remain neutral and indifferent. It is not the 'not meeting’ of the expectations
that really matters, but the way you react to it. Going beyond the 'E' word,
acceptance and realism go a long way. Also, doesn't the experience that tags
along, count for anything? We at least got a chance to taste that disastrous
dish, so that we can highly recommend it to others! Why suffer alone? :-P Meeting
the wrong person, would make us value the right one, in a much more grateful
way and about the last over in the match, it’s OK to lose sometimes…When it
comes to the Indian cricket team, well.. Loads of times!!
Though we are aware of the textual negativity associated
with the 'Burden of Expectations', let us not forget Great things happen in the
very same way and the 'Unexpected' then is simply AWESOME!
That prejudice, which you hate, becomes your principle, which
makes you who you are!
The bad hair day, makes you look gorgeous!
That one date person becomes the love of your life!
That shy sibling of yours turns out to be a dark horse, making
you proud!
Once a while you get freebies, in your purchases!
The finance paper turns out to be shockingly simple!
That b*tch in your class, you hate, turns out to be your best
friend!
The unexpected perks in the form of an increment, appreciation
or just a pat on the back!
The interview you expect to get screwed in makes you feel proud
and confident!
A great opportunity comes, knocking you off your feet, when you
expect misery, in dark times!
And once a while people manage to take your breath away!!
KEEP EXPECTING :-)
