Expectations

Hey Steemers,

I want to talk about one of the crazy ways our brains warp our perception of life's happenings. Namely, expectations. They are born from desires and hope, two things I'd never suggest giving up. However, expectations cause us to become attached to particular outcomes in a world full of entropy. Most of the time, what we experience is significantly different from what we envision. It has been shown in empirical research: humans are not good at predicting the future, especially regarding how certain scenarios will make us FEEL. (i.e. will this bring me satisfaction? will this choice make me happy?) I will share the link to a fantastic TED talk on this subject, for those who are interested --> https://www.ted.com/talks/dan_gilbert_researches_happiness

This is challenging to contend with, as we choose everything- people, travels, jobs- based on the things we expect to glean. However, I would argue that we can do this without becoming fixated on specific results. We can celebrate each ounce of positivity that enters our lives without needing it to look a particular way. I'll share an example from my own life. I currently work as a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) on the surgical unit of a hospital. When I took the position, I dreamed of time spent in the operating room watching surgeons in intimate contact with human physicality. I believed I would be intellectually challenged and constantly exposed to new things.

Instead, I care for patients pre- and post- operation. I help them transition out of anesthetic fogs and heal from the battering that surgery imposes on the body. I come into contact with surgeons only when they visit patient rooms; I learn about procedures secondhand. This disappointed me in the earliest days of my job. Because I had become attached to the particulars of my vision, I failed to notice the blessings that had entered my life. I now focus on the deep connections that are formed via caring for people in times of vulnerability. My patients teach me so much about what it means to be resilient and brave and hopeful. I would never give this up.

I am a steadfast believer that there is something to be gained from every experience. I think that we have the opportunity to redefine challenges as moments of growth, and to LET GO of needing our realities to resemble our dreams. When we unclench our fists and allow opportunity to collect on our palms- how beautiful this is. Expectation is a death grip, and gratitude an open palm.