Expectations

I have had expectations on my mind lately. It’s something I revisit from time to time anyway. Here is the big add-on for you: When things don’t go as expected, it can often lead to frustration and agitation. Now, let’s get to the reasons this has been in my head.

When we moved to East Tennessee, never did I ever expect to see the impacts of a hurricane here, in Western North Carolina or South Carolina, yet here we are. I had an opportunity to see a family friend graduate from the National Guard. Google rerouted us because of Helene took out parts of Interstate 40. The area we went through is mountainous, which means trucks were also rerouted there, which greatly slowed things down. That drive, however, was the first time I had seen some of the impacts other than through YouTube videos.

It was devastating. All the things I heard about through personal stories and videos I witnessed. Newly constructed houses shifted completely off their foundation. People camping alongside rivers in tents. Vehicles stuck in water. Debris. Bridges collapses. Countless massive trees downed. It made things very real.

Here I am frustrated for following a truck as it meandered the mountain roads. Then, these folks are battling for survival. I witnessed East Tennesseans band together, help one another. Many did so without any expectations of governmental help. I worked some days in one of the impacted communities. I was told basically that the community members don’t really seek outside help.

Perspective.

If I can manage my expectations, I can manage my moods better.

I regrettably stayed up to watch Tyson. The fighter I saw growing up; the fighter I saw in training videos; the fighter that showed up that night were very different versions of the same man. As much as I wanted the YouTuber silenced, it became apparent that wasn’t happening. I woke the next morning thinking about something Roy Jones, Jr. said about Mike biting his glove. That made me wonder if Mike was doing this as a way of reminding him of the end goal: 20 million dollars. See, that is conspiratorial. What isn’t anymore, right? I expected Tyson to destroy dude. That didn’t happen. After watching the women’s fight, I expected Serrano to win. That didn’t happen. I stayed up extra late and left disappointed.

My expectations weren’t met, and my emotions were impacted.

I watched the Titans Sunday against the Vikings. I completely expected Tennessee to lose. It was how they lost that got disappointed me. I have never seen so many critical penalties in my years of watching football. The Vikes capitalized for sure. Tennessee lost for sure. Key opportunities for momentum shifts.

That was disappointing. Mood impacted based on expectations.

This can work for good.

98-yard touchdown? Didn’t expect that! Mood shifted for good.

I would say as you go through your day to day life, just be aware of how expectations can impact your mood and mindset. Projects. Relationships. Sporting events. If you notice frustration, trace back your thoughts to your expectations. See what you see. Like everything else, hunger and poor sleep can impact this. Acknowledge it. Take a break. Revisit. Allow yourself time to process.

As we navigate holidays and expectations, remember those that are disaster-impacted and dealing with far less fortunate circumstances than some of us. I’ve been personally working on filling myself up with more Jesus so that I can more effectively pour into others.

We can’t pour from an empty cup.

#Jesus #holidays #Thanksgiving #disasters #homeless #expectations #mindset #positivity #mood