Do you find that you are often frustrated with yourself? Or with those around you? Feelings of anger, resentment, or disappointment can stem from high or unmet expectations.
When you are feeling one of these emotions, you might try getting curious about your expectations.
Were you hoping things would go “perfectly”?
Did you expect yourself to have certain emotions, experiences or behaviors? (Were they excessively high/unattainable?)
Did you imagine things working out much differently?
Did you already have a plan for what people would say, how they would behave or react?
Asking yourself these questions might reveal some expectations you didn’t even know you had! I find when we lower or perhaps suspend expectations, it allows us to experience whatever happens with more flexibility and joy.
Warmly, Jenny Schermerhorn. Licensed Mental Health Therapist.
This article is not meant to take the place of a relationship with a trained mental health therapist, or a medical professional. It is not meant to provide diagnosis of a mental health disorder. If you are experiencing a physical or mental health emergency, please dial 9-1-1.
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