Expectations

From yesterday, but I did not get a chance to post...

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On Friday, I had the following post prepared about expectations, but decided to publish a discussion about Childhood aspirations instead.

I have been dealing with expectations my entire life; expectations of myself, and others of me. I grew up a hard worker, and very motivated. My parents also motivated me, and expected great things. I think my expectations of myself were much stronger than those of others. I did calm down when I reached my mid-20s, but still had that idea that I had to work hard, to be the best, to be perfect.

I never really thought about it until a few years ago, when it suddenly hit me that these very same expectations were affecting me. I am learning to manage it, but I still struggle with it.

For me, I want so much that this program, these students, these residents thrive. I want it so bad that I set my expectations high. And, honestly, I should: why shouldn’t we want this of them? But I often find myself frustrated by small things that, in all reality, do not really matter in the grand scheme of things. Everyone I have worked with has made great strides, and continues to improve. And they will not be perfect, just as I am not perfect. I have to constantly remind myself of this. Learning how to change my expectations of others and myself is a work in progress. I have to work on it every day.

As a caveat, I wonder what affect culture has on expectations. What are the expectations of people here in Rwanda? Are they tempered somehow? Are they stronger, given where they have been? Like most things, something else I have to look into. Add it to the list…

In other news, I am curious to see what the next 29 days will be like in the US, and what the outcome will be. My sincere hope is that our discourse is civil, our actions are tempered, and our votes count!

Until next time…

Love life, Find meaning, Be happy,

Craiger