Expect Nothing, Accept Everything
Set yourself free by freeing yourself of expectations.
I've tried my hardest not to expect anything in life, because that's when I get hurt the most, or angry, or just let down. It has been something that I've been aware of, but I've failed to really practice it in my every day life the way that I should. Because you know what? It's hard. It's hard as hell.
It's not that I expect things of other people. I mean, I expect the basics like everyone does (to be treated with respect, for example). But I do expect things out of my life. Or, I expect something that will come to pass. And when that doesn't happen, it has a way of tanking me. This is especially true if I have a repeating expectation for my life.
Yet every notable philosopher says that the key to happiness is to let go of these expectations, especially if they are outside our control. The fact that their words live on through the ages likely means that they were onto something.
This short post is my reminder to practice acceptance first. Expectations put me into a land of hypotheticals. Acceptance forces me to be present, and that's the way I want to live my life. That's when I'm at my best.
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