I've been thinking a lot about expectation and gratitude these days. It's hard to control expectation. I think we create expectations for everything around us without trying on a regular basis. And while sometimes expectation does lead to a matching outcome, it often creates urgency and insecurity.
Gratitude on the other hand, does not come naturally. While expectation rises up within us without thought, we have to foster and nurture gratitude. We have to practice it, like we might practice a musical instrument or work hard at building our muscles to succeed in our favorite sport. But when we do practice it, gratitude creates appreciation and abundance.
I'm working on calming my expectations and building up my gratitude because I'd much rather have appreciation and abundance in my life than urgency and insecurity.
It's easier some days than others, but as I walk in the practice of gratitude I find that my expectations fall away. And instead of expecting things to come my way I find myself thinking about what I can give of myself instead.
And so I'm grateful. I'm grateful for how the practice of gratitude has changed me. I'm grateful for the community I have that fosters this feeling.
And what about you? Do you find ways to practice gratitude in your life? If so, I'd love to hear about what works for you. Have you let expectations fall away and entered into that grateful place? If so, how?