Expectations

“The biggest disappointments in life come not from our enemies but from our friends.” -Author Poulomi Sanyal

When I first came across the above quote, I wasn’t sure what to make of it. I would like to think that I have some wonderful friends in my life that have been a tremendous support system during various phases of my life like depression, writing career, deaths of loved ones, etc. Then it hit me. It’s not certain friends that I’m disappointed in, it’s certain expectations that left me feeling empty. When we chase our dreams, the only thing we can control is our own actions to move toward them. Along the way, we’ll hopefully receive some assistance where necessary. But start expecting that assistance or taking it for granted and that’s when you find yourself disappointed. You have to have a little hope and a dash of optimism to move forward. But simultaneously, you have to make sure feet are still on the ground. Because your dreams are just that, your dreams. If people help along the way, welcome it like a pleasant surprise. If not, move on.