Hope, Don’t Expect (Too Much)

As you've observed from the title, I advised not to expect but hope. Hope is superior to expectations, and I stand by this statement for several reasons. There is a clear difference between hoping and expecting. For me, hope is keeping a positive outlook on various situations and circumstances that we may or may not be experiencing. Meanwhile, expectations are ingrained in our minds, and we feel assured that they can transpire and be on par with our standards. Expecting, in numerous cases, can end up in dissatisfaction. In other instances, we end up getting hurt. How many times have you been let down because you visualized how events would occur, but they didn't go as planned? I have been there, and it was overwhelming and underwhelming at the same time. How many times have you suffered from heartaches by having projections of somebody who supposedly will never do you wrong? I know the feeling all too well. There have been countless times when our expectations get the better of us that we often blame others when they are not met. Therefore, disappointment is a prerequisite when expecting. Some may be under the impression that this is quite pessimistic. Maybe it is, but it is also being realistic. Having expectations is normal, but at this point, we must accept that it doesn't guarantee anything. We are not in control of them, and they are often in the hands of others to fulfill for us. On the other hand (pun not intended), hope isn't about having assumptions that things will turn out the way you want them to. It's looking forward to seeing the light at the end of every tunnel and drawing attention to the bright side when you're in the dark. It's having desires but not putting yourself and others on a pedestal. It's having patience and trusting the process even when you don't know the outcome. We can only do so much during this bewildering time, and one of them is hope. We hope because we are uncertain but curious about what the future might bestow. Hence, we persist in fighting to see the day our conditions have made great strides, even when it takes a mountain climb to get there. It's what keeps us alive and moving. Therefore, I firmly believe that hope leads to less pain and bitterness due to these attributes. Ultimately, we are free to set expectations. However, let this be a reminder that I've made it clear what could go astray when you do.