October 2, 2012

Inspiration: Expectations



“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.”
- Bruce Lee

I've been thinking quite a bit about expectations recently, both those we place on ourselves and those that others place on us. In my mind, expectation often seems to correlate to disappointment - life throws you for a loop and something didn't turn out the way you thought it would or the way someone else wanted it to turn out for you. Sometimes the right choice is taking the unconventional route, doing something instead of waiting for something, moving forward (even if it's in a completely unexpected direction) instead of standing still.  And when others tell you you're crazy, that you're taking a step in the wrong direction, you tell them you don't give a damn what they think because in the end, it's your life to live. Opportunity often presents itself in ways you least expect it. Trust your gut and believe in yourself - if you do, you won't be left wondering how you let those expectations become a missed opportunity.

image via here

5 comments:

  1. Oh so know what you mean! Love that quote from Bruce BTW!

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    1. It is a good one, isn't it?! Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the blogosphere, Audrey!

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  2. I must have been really mulling your thoughts on expectations, because I had the strangest dream about you. I came over to your house, which was perfect and adorable, and I kept picking up things and exclaiming how I loved them. I would reach for a cute little pillow on the sofa, and you'd say, quite casually: Oh yeah, I made that. Then I loved your dress. Oh yeah, I made that. A picture frame. A crocheted pot holder. And on and on. Oh yeah, I made that, too.

    Just when I was overwhelmed by your talent, I went into your back yard where I found the most gorgeous and unreal tree that seemed to be covered in pink flowers, but something about it was strange, so I went closer. Just as I was examining the sweet but bizarre green leaves, you explained that, in a moment of inspiration, you had taken a ladder and a pot of pink paint and decorated THE ENTIRE TREE with polka dots. And the closer I looked, the more I realized what a thorough and perfect job you'd done. There wasn't a single leaf without a polka dot, and the overall effect was beautiful. :)

    You can see how this relates to the subject of expectation (and to your polka dot branding motif), though perhaps not with your precise meaning on the topic. Obviously, I wouldn't expect you to have a perfect house full of perfect handmade things, not to mention a hand-painted polka dot tree. I think it's less a question of expectation and more one of impression. You impress people as someone who is creative, put together, and in control.

    And I say huzzah to creative people like you not giving a damn what anyone else thinks. Along that path lies greatness. :)

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    1. How funny! Oh how I do wish I had a pink polka dotted tree in my back yard - what fun that would be!

      But all dreams aside, I like your thought on impressions and appreciate your honesty on your impression of me (I'm quite flattered, thank you!). It's so very true what you say about it being "less a question of expectation and more one of impression" in some cases.

      And thanks for sharing your strange dream with me!

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  3. Oh, I love how you featured and quoted Bruce Lee, Susannah. A favorite in my family! Expectations. I know exactly what you mean about setting yourself up for disappointment. I've learned this the hard way more than once in my life. I think as I get older, I'm more and more beginning embrace this skill of not expecting too much of others--and of myself! --or, at least I try to remember to so :)

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