Worst-case scenarios. Planning for the worst. So many what ifs. Have you felt afraid this week? If so, what about? Maybe someone you care about faced a terrible disappointment. Maybe your experience of growing older this month has felt like one big blow to your heart.
Or maybe you know that your boss is getting ready to pull you off a project you love. Sigh.
Let me stop here and sit with you saying, leaning into the reality of hard things stinks. It really, really, does. Don't let anyone tell you that it doesn't. Fear is such a natural response to the hard things in our lives.
YET, enter this week's word: expectation. Expectation defined as a strong belief that something will happen or be the case in the future.
You might be in a hot mess right now, but expectation helps you lift up your gaze from your problems.
Expectation says, "Well, hey, this worst possible thing might in fact be happening, but it doesn't mean all is lost. There will be brighter days to come."
Expectation says, "I am cheering you on. Keep going!"
Expectation says, "I believe in you. Keep dreaming about the future. Keep saying yes!"
Expectation is the medicine you need to get out of bed in the morning on your worst days. Expectation is what keeps you focused your best days too. Expectation can keep you grounded in what can bring you unexpected joy even if it wasn't brought you joy last year.
Several years ago, I found myself in a hard patch of life that seemingly wouldn't end. You know what saved me? I put some things on my calendar to look forward to with people I loved. I silenced my self-censoring voice protesting "You don't have time for that" or "You shouldn't spend money on that" to give expectation space to work its magic.
It was a simple practice that worked its magic on my mood. And even if I didn't actually do these things when the time came, my calendar was filled with hope!
So in whatever you are concerned about in your life right now (and I bet there is something) know I am also believing that expectation is there perching its way into your soul. And since it's there, listen. Listen to hope. Lean into hope. It's got a good word for you of what to do next.
Here's hoping you are surprised this week with something good-
XO
Elizabeth
