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Writer's pictureNikki Draper

Embracing the Unexpected: Letting Go of Expectations for a Life Full of Adventures

Updated: Nov 8, 2023




Life has a funny way of taking us by surprise, doesn't it? We make plans, set goals, and create a vision of how our life should look like, only to find that reality often has other plans. There is a saying in the Christian world, “If you want to see God laugh, make plans.” But, what if I told you that embracing the unexpected twists and turns of life can lead to a more fulfilling and enriching journey? I guarantee that it will definitely be better for your mental and physical health. When we begin with letting go of our rigid expectations, while holding onto our intentions aka our great idea, we open ourselves up to the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. In this blog, I will discuss how to embrace the unexpected and let go of the disappointment.


The Expectation Trap


Many of us grow up with a set of expectations about how our life should unfold. We imagine the perfect job, the ideal partner, the dream home, and a clear path to success. These expectations can be influenced by societal norms, family pressures, or even our own desires and ambitions. While having goals and aspirations is essential, becoming too attached to a specific vision of the future can lead to disappointment and frustration when life doesn't unfold as planned. This is where you set aside your ego and let your authentic self rise up. If you haven’t learned yet, it is never a simple and straight road from great idea to success. Where would the fun and learning lessons be in that, right?!?


Letting Go of the "How"


One of the first steps in embracing the unexpected is letting go of the "how" – how we think our life should play out. Feel it, greave the loss and the emotions attached to the vision, and then release it. Instead of being fixated on a specific career, relationship, or outcome, shift your focus to the "what" – what kind of life do you want to create now, what values are important to you, and what brings you joy and fulfillment? (This is how you manifest.) By detaching from the rigid pathways you've set for yourself, you free your mind to explore alternative routes and discover new opportunities you might not have considered otherwise. Surrendering and letting go will propel you forward to new possibilities and to be open to receive. And it will provide you with valuable learning lessons that can serve you in the future. Some of our greatest losses turn out to be our greatest gifts.


"What Else Is Possible?"


When life takes an unexpected turn or your plans don't materialize as anticipated, rather than feeling defeated for too long, ask yourself, "What else is possible?" This simple yet powerful question opens the door to a world of potential that you may not have previously explored. It invites creativity, adaptability, and a sense of curiosity about the unknown. This is how to spark the magic. Instead of dwelling on what didn't work out, refocus your energy to explore new horizons and embrace change with enthusiasm. Pull from the positive energy to attract more positivity versus staying negative and attracting more of what you don't want. Remember, you get to choose how you feel and what you think. It takes practicing mindfulness, but you are one step closer to your vision!


Crossroads Are Not Dead Ends


Life is filled with crossroads – moments when you must make critical decisions that can alter the course of your journey. This is also referred to as “Hitting the brick wall of frustration.” And the good news is that it is part of the process of life and growth! It's easy to perceive these moments as dead ends, especially when they deviate from your expectations. And boy do I know this firsthand with selling my business and home, moving my family across country and building a house to start a new life, to unexpectedly moving back within a year. However, crossroads or brick walls of frustrations are not the end; they are opportunities for new beginnings. Each decision point is a chance to choose a path that aligns better with your current desires, values, and circumstances. Embrace these junctures as gateways to growth and transformation. What other choice do you have...to be bitter or depressed?


Trusting the Process


To truly let go of expectations and embrace the unexpected, you must learn to trust the process of life and believe that God wants the best for you. Why, because He does! Understand that there is a grander design at play, and sometimes, life's detours are necessary to lead you to your ultimate destination. Have faith that everything is unfolding as it should, even if you can't see the bigger picture in the moment. Trusting the process can bring peace, reduce anxiety, and allow you to savor the beauty of the journey itself. This is a daily practice, which I would be happy to equip you with some tools for your journey. Reach out and let's book a complimentary consultation call to see if I can be a good resource for you. The first step is to visit dulcevidacoaching.com/claritycatalyst and select contact us at the bottom of the page. Having someone to hand your hand in transition can be very to our mental health.



Conclusion


Life's twists and turns can be challenging, but they are also opportunities for growth, learning, and self-discovery. When you let go of rigid expectations about how your life should look, you open yourself up to a world of new possibilities. Put down that heavy load! Shift your focus from the "how" to the "what," and embrace the unexpected with curiosity and resilience. Remember that crossroads and brick walls are not dead ends but gateways to new adventures, and trust in the process of life. Believe in yourself, love yourself, and show compassion. By doing so, you can lead a more fulfilling and enriching life. Life is full of surprises that you cannot control, no matter how hard you try, and there are beautiful opportunities, that you may have never imagined, waiting to be discovered. So, the next time life throws you a curveball, ask yourself, "What else is possible?" and embark on the exciting journey of the unknown. This outlook definitely pulls us into the energy of life being an adventure versus a disappointment. Embrace the unexpected!


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