I've been giving more thought on "managing our expectations." As I said last time, I think managing our expectations decreases our stress and is a good thing. However I also think managing our expectations of others can sometimes lead to alot of stuffed disappointment and anger.
I expected a phone call from my son before he headed out on a 2 week hike in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I wanted to hear his plans and excitement. I wanted to get the web site to monitor his GPS. I wanted to tell him to be safe. When I contacted his wife on the day before I thought he was to leave, he had already left. I was disappointed but in my head gave alot of excuses--"he was busy packing...he had alot on his mind." My husband said, "Don't you get tired of giving excuses for other people?"
Whoa! Yes, I do. Along with "managing my expectations" I need to acknowledge my hurt and disappointment. Otherwise it just sits in there as an irritant. Years ago in a counseling class, I learned the concept of not stuffing our emotional garbage in a bag that we save up and then tend to dump at inappropriate times. I'm not one to dump very often but I do let it seep out. Just as destructive. Not a good thing!
I also need to remember that I pray God forgives the times I disappointment him. I hope He "manages His expectations" of me. I pray He isn't stuffing my garbage in a bag waiting to dump it on me.
How about you?
Blessings-Penny
No comments:
Post a Comment