The other night I was heading home from an evening out with my husband. I was chatting away about how much fun it was, the whole time my husband was quiet, basically frowning. Had we just attended the same party? Yes.
He wanted to be the life of the party. He thought he would tell great jokes making everyone think he’s fantastic. Make new friends, and get invitations for more parties and get-togethers. I, on the other hand, was happy to just go out for the night.
I had no expectations other than I was heading out for the evening, and he had a list of outcomes he wished to achieve. He played out the whole evening in his head before we ever left the house. I made some new friends and the promise of an invite to more fun. More importantly, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. My husband did not. He was frustrated and upset, his mojo was crushed.
By not creating future scenarios, I was able to flow through the evening. Let’s be honest. Reality never lives up to expectations.
Here’s a great example. Have you ever read a book and been so involved you can’t put it down, and you don’t want it to end? Then the movie comes out, and you are so excited you rush out the first day it is in theaters only to leave disappointed. When you read a book, your mind can create images beyond what most movies can recreate. The expectation that the film will be as great as the scenario you created leaves you with a myriad of negative feelings, letting you down.
When you let go of expectations, it enables you to be in the real moment, without disappointments. Not every situation will be great, but they won’t let you down with all the build-up and fantasy that occurred in your mind. You will be more flexible, flow with what’s happening, and open to more enjoyment and possibility in life.
Try it next time you go somewhere, attend a class, meeting, party, etc.
Just let it unfold and be in the experience.
You will walk away feeling lighter, free from your thoughts and outcomes.
Open to all possibilities.
Reclaim your mojo.