Thanksgiving is over, and the advent of Christmas is underway. You might be experiencing a few emotions as we shift from one holiday to the next. Unmet expectations can be the culprit of disappointment, frustration, and even depression.
Maybe you ate more than you had planned. You didn’t get in as much exercise as you wanted, or you didn’t make time for that special family tradition. No matter the expectations or what led to the holiday emotions…what if you changed your mindset to expect nothing, but to anticipate everything?
In other words, expectations are usually about what YOU WANT. If those expectations aren’t met, then you end up disappointed. The problem with that is that you miss out on WHAT IS…the present moment! Just because things are a little different than what you expected doesn’t mean you shouldn’t count it all as joy and be grateful.
Expectations can set you up for disappointment not only regarding the holidays, but even when it comes to your physical well-being. Goals are one thing, but unrealistic expectations lead to let downs. If you are doing the work and eating clean then you can anticipate a healthy outcome. If you had an unrealistic expectation to lose 5 pounds last week, for instance, then that will only lead to disappointment and defeat. Instead, be grateful about the positive things you DID do…even if they were small things. Something is always better than nothing! Maybe you only had one helping of Thanksgiving dinner instead of two, or you took time for a quick walk around the block in the midst of the festivities, drank more water than you normally consume, or maybe instead of losing weight…be grateful that you didn’t gain!
In James 1:2 it reads…”Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” SO…in this case, those trials could be brought on by your own unrealistic expectations. Instead, practice having zero expectations and anticipate all to work out beautifully as it shows up….in the present moment. God works out all things for the good of those who love Him. May you anticipate all that God has for you, which is greater than you could ever imagine or expect!
