Expectation is the root of all heartache

Expectation is the root of all heartache. -William Shakespeare

Peace begins only when expectation comes to an end. Sometimes not getting what you want is the best thing. You might not understand it at that moment but later in your life you will realize that what had happened was in your favor. Let’s gather peace and happiness by quitting the practice of keeping high expectations from our family, friends or colleagues.

1. Do Yourself What You Expect From Others

Whatever you want to expect from others, expect it from yourself instead of them. Don’t depend on people for your happiness. Don’t consider yourself as a helpless or powerless structure of bones. Do you want love from people? Love yourself as much as you expect from them. Do you want to be helped? Help yourself as you expect them to help you.

2. Express Gratitude:

Gratitude is something that does wonders. It is a great source of happiness and tranquility. Believe me, if you start being grateful for who you are, what you have and with whom you are associated with, you will never have to expect from any one or to depend on anyone for the sake of achieving happiness.

3. Don’t Wish From People A Return Of Your Good Deed:

If you want to get rid of the habit of keeping high expectations, you can start doing good secretly, so that no one is aware of your good deed and you will not be looking forward for a response. It can be donating some amount in the charity, at religious places or old homes. It can be helping someone cross the road or lending a helping hand to a stranger. Acts of kindness should always be done without expecting reward or favor in return.

4. Inquire Your Expectation:

While expecting something from someone, just give it a little thought that what you desire from others, are you yourself able to deliver it when expected from you? If your answer is still ‘yes I can’, then you should be grateful for the ability you have been blessed with. May be the other person is not capable enough to come up to your expectation. For instance you want your son/daughter to help you with the work but they don’t and you feel broken or angry. Stop gnashing your teeth and expecting too much from them because the children of today are not as fit as you were at their age.

5. Let Life Go On Its Own:

Just imagine for a while the outcome of expectations….. you expect, your expectation is not met; the result: you get disappointed. Instead of creating reasons for your frustration, let life unfold on its own. Enjoy your present. What is there for you will come to you with life’s own natural flow. Isn’t it better to be surprised than to be disappointed? The more we trust in life’s wisdom, by quitting our expectations, the simpler it becomes to open ourselves to the riches that life has for us.

When you release expectations, you are free to enjoy things for what they are instead of what you think they should be. -Mandy Hale