Gratitude vs. Expectation

Thursday, May 31, 2012
"The days I keep my gratitude higher than my expectations . . .Well, I have really good days." - Ray Wylie Hubbard

Lately, I've been realizing that so many of the stress-ers I experience every day aren't external. Instead, they spring from within, from the expectations and sometimes impossible standards I set for myself.

Oh, there are certain things that must be done. A grant application must be filed by the end of the week and the school field trip group will arrive tomorrow morning - ready or not.

But will we die if I don't have time to bake bread or make marinara sauce and instead have to pick up the store-bought versions? I think not. Nor will it bust the budget if I have to do so.

If I don't get around to canning asparagus pickles or rhubarb sauce like I wanted? We'll probably survive that just fine too.

And just because the seedlings always get planted over Memorial Day weekend, doesn't mean they can't wait a day or two more in their little trays until the deluge of an entire week of rain has subsided.

So tonight, instead of worrying about the commentary that didn't get written, the work supplies that didn't get ordered, or pesto that didn't get made, I'm choosing to be grateful. Grateful that rather than do any of things I thought I should be doing and took a paddle down the lake with Andy to experience spring in full bloom. Grateful to have beauty surrounding me every day, if I only remember to see it.









Are you keeping your gratitude higher than your expectations these days?
 

8 comments:

  1. What a great reminded to do so....

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  2. Hi Ada!

    I found you through the 99% Exposure blog hop over at May May. I can relate to how you feel. My husband has an expression for when I want total control over the day-to-day things. He says I want all my ducks in a row. When he gets particularly annoid with my attitude, he says we need to shoot some ducks.

    I have an entire series on being Thankful on my blog Happy Moms, Happy Homes at http://happymomshappyhomes.blogspot.com

    I also have a parenting blog at http://abooksandmore.blogspot.com

    If you'd like to see photos of my kids in South Africa, I have a photography blog (as an amateur) 1camera1mom at http://1camera1mom.blogspot.com

    That's 3 of my 5 blogs! I'm kind of crazy, I know. :)

    Have a great day! Oh, and I love your nature photos!

    Your new follower,
    Tina (Christina Morley on Google+)

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    Replies
    1. Oops! It's annoyed and not annoid! Hahaha! :D

      Tina

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  3. Sometimes doing what you have to do is secondary to what you should do.... glad you took the time to enjoy the outdoors (and spend time with Andy!)

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  4. I haven't been thinking this way, but given my "funk" I've been in lately I might just take your advice.

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  5. Hi!

    I'm Shar, a new follower from The Things we Find Inside blog hop! Come over and visit me at: http://sharmartinez.blogspot.com

    I'm a freelancer as well! There's a link on blog (above). Looking forward to reading your blog!!!

    xoxo -Shar

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  6. So with you on this one! Expectations often are like looming disappointments! I have left too high expectations behind and stopped trying to be perfect. I very much enjoy the gift of imperfection!

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  7. What a wonderful reminder. I am your newest follower from the I Love My Online Friends 'Makeover' Monday Hop. I look forward to reading more of your posts.

    Ashley
    www.diy-motherhood.blogspot.com

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