Do you ever find yourself imagining what a particular future event or gathering or outing will be like? I expect everyone does! And finding joy in anticipating the future is a lovely way to add happiness to your daily life. But sometimes, putting expectations on things can cause problems.

 

My humans have often found that their experience of watching a new film in the cinema is very much affected by how much they were looking forward to it beforehand. If they go in thinking it’s going to be the best film ever, they’re usually disappointed and unable to enjoy it as much as if they go in thinking it might not be very good.

 

I’m not suggesting you should approach everything with pessimism – far from it! Because that can lead you to bring negative thoughts and feelings into a situation and make you unable to see the good things in it.

 

However, there is a middle path. It’s fine to look forward to something and spend time anticipating it. But, once it’s time to go wherever you’re going or meet whoever you’re meeting, it’s best to release your expectations and just let the event unfold as it will. That way, you’re not putting any pressure on things to go a particular way. So, you’ll be open to whatever happens and much better able to relax and enjoy yourself, or deal with unexpected issues that may come up.

 

If you allow the future to happen without putting your expectations on it, I think you might discover different ways to enjoy or appreciate things. You might also find it’s easier to interact with friends and family members, and you can also approach situations more calmly and with more attention to the present moment.

 

Why don’t you give it a try?

 

Don’t forget to let me know how you get on, or if there’s anything in your life you’d like my thoughts on!

 

You can email me at wisebearstanley@gmail.com

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