When I was practicing my morning meditation*, I heard these beautiful words:
I remove any expectations that I have about today.
I let them go.
I move out of my own way.
That is exactly what we are doing when we set these high expectations. We are in our own way. We get so fixated on what we want to achieve, on how we want things to work out, that we leave no room for anything else.
The thing is, it’s seldom just up to us, so having our own idee, our own expectations, of how we want things to evolve, will seldom materialize exactly how we want it. And that is what stresses us out, that is what makes us unhappy and frustrated.
As for everything in life, all that is happening is a chain reaction of a thousand little actions, and we do not control all of them.
So, it’s ridiculous to be holding on to our expectations of a specific outcome, as we will always end up being disappointed.
It’s good to have a plan, it’s good to visualize what you would like to see happening in your life, but then, let go of the exact outcome. It’s beyond your control.
Instead, think positively, go to a vibration of gratitude, of possibilities.
These words* will help you go there and stay there:
I welcome all of the amazing opportunities that today will bring.
That way, you are open to new ideas, open to other solutions, open to what else is possible.
This will bring you calm, contentment, happiness.
As I wrote a couple of weeks ago**, you never know what today, tomorrow, or next week will bring.
All can change in the blink of an eye. So, no use trying to control the outcome of all that is happening in your life, as you never know what will happen next.
Therefore, my invitation to you all is:
Let go of your expectations.
Let go of holding on to how exactly you want things to go.
Be open to new opportunities, new ideas.
Trust that all will be okay even though you can’t see all the steps yet.
Writing this article, is not a call to let go of plans, to just let everything just happen to you.
No.
Make plans.
Be creative.
Dream.
Do everything in your power to make your dreams happen.
But then let it go, see where it will take you.
Trust that the Universe has your back***
Know that all is possible, all will work out perfectly.
It’ s not just your exact idea of ‘perfect’ that is the best.
There are so many versions of living a happy life.
The more you are trusting, the more you are grateful for all that is happening in your life, the more ‘good stuff’ you will experience.
Make this your mantra*
I lovingly accept all of the amazingness of today, freely.
This will keep you on this good vibration of openness, of opportunities, of gratitude.
You’ll be amazed by how many good things will be coming your way.
Once you start seeing these amazing things, it’s easier and easier to be grateful,
and so after a while, you’ll find yourself in a positive vicious circle.
Make it happen for yourself.
Let go of these restraining expectations.
Open yourself up to more.
Take a step back and just observe.
Let new things come your way.
Trust that all will work out in the end.
This week is just a short reflection.
It’s a call to all of you to:
Throw off the burden of expectations.
Breathe.
Observe what is happening around you.
Listen to what is possible.
Stop striving for ‘perfection’, which does not exist anyway, so it is a useless battle.
Practice gratitude.
Thank you all for reading me, and for supporting me on Medium! If you want unlimited access to all of my articles and those of many other authors, you can become a Medium Member and you’ll be supporting me and all the other authors. Many, many thanks to you all!!!
Katrien
*’Morning Energizer’ by Oliver James Jenkin on Insight Timer.
**’And Then Life Throws You a Curveball’ by Katrien Degraeve.
***’The Universe has Your Back.’ By Gabby Bernstein.