Appreciate the Unexpected

Appreciate the Unexpected

Mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get. - the movie Forrest Gump

We humans feel an instinctive need to know what is coming next - what we can count upon. While this is especially true when we are expecting something great, the tendency to want predictability is universal. If we are expecting our spouse to arrive home from the grocery store with a pound of hamburger and they show up with a steak, we may not be pleased with the special treat, but rather set off balance and therefore mildly upset by the surprise.

Consider that one of the dictionary meanings of the word "expect" is "demand." The path to happiness is to avoid making demands upon the world, and especially to avoid making demands upon the future.

Life is never predictable, and that is great with me. Boredom is not my preference. I really like the analogy of life to a box of chocolates because it reminds me that what I actually get is likely to be as sweet or sweeter than what I "expected," just different.

Today's affirmation...
I cherish the uncertainty of life's adventures. - jlh

*** Today's inspiring book from my affiliate Simple Truths is Dreams are Whispers From the Soul with FREE DVD. You can watch the beautiful DVD movie for free before you decide to purchase the book with DVD.

Further reading: Helen Keller: Life is either a daring adventure or nothing

I have no need to conform to the stereotypes others have defined for me. - jlh

Intention versus Expectation (Demand)