“You are not in this world to live up to other people’s expectations, nor should you feel the world must live up to yours.” ~ F. Perl
I think a lot of us spend time working our way through the expectations we feel others have of us to get back on track for our authentic journey that is uniquely ours. That is very important work and many of the postings in Soul School are about this process. I believe that much of what our inner guides or souls have to tell us has to do with being true to ourselves, which means being willing to not live up to others’ expectations.
But this quote helps me remember that expectations are a two-way street. That I must also look at the expectations I am putting out in the world — on family, friends, coworkers, politicians, etc. — and see where I may be narrowing the authenticity of another by overstepping my bounds.
Consider how expectations are playing out in your life right now. What expectations have been placed on you that you find uncomfortable in some way? How can you create a little more room for your own authenticity?
And then consider what expectations you have of others. Where could you loosen up a little and allow that person a little more space as well? In doing so, you will find that others respond in like kind so this process can create amazing shifts in all kinds of areas.
Expectation is talked about a-lot in the circles that I am privileged to be a part of. We believe that expectation and judgment are the building blocks of resentment, which may be a dubious luxury for some folks, but can lead to a pretty hellish existence, or worse, for the rest of us.