Lower Expectations.
I can be really hard on myself. I’ve gotten better, not a whole lot, but better. Wanting more and expecting a lot from myself eased me out of a dysfunctional childhood home, gave me the umph to put myself though college and graduate school. Several good teachers and books showed me there was a big wonderful world out there and I wanted to be part of it. They put a dream in my heart and wings on my feet. I learned at an early age that determination will carry you a long way. Once I set a goal, nothing was going to get in my way. The down side of that determination and strong will is that sometimes enough is not good enough. It can lead to disappointment and frustration, dissatisfaction and a negative mind set that is counterproductive. Sometimes I need to lighten up on myself so that I can Ease on Down The Road There are times when I need to lower my expectations a little, or better yet, let them go altogether. The last week of school would be one of those times.
My favorite time of year is the first week of school. It is filled with new, new beginnings, new students, new freshly sharpened pencils, new notebooks, new clothes. New, new, new, I love it! My least favorite time of year is the last week of school, although Halloween on a school night is close behind. During the last week of school every teacher I know is a little frizzled and frazzled and frizzled and fried.
It’s easy for negativity crawl through the cracks, into your mind, grab it by the throat and not let go. It’s so tempting to complain! The kids are off the wall, the administrators don’t know what we’re going through, the kids are off the wall, there’s another meeting and did you see what she had on, the kids are off the wall, duty free lunch is canceled……On and on and on and on. Here’s news flash, complaining doesn’t help!
Don’t let negativity in, give yourself a break and seal off the cracks. Wanna know an easy way to seal off the cracks to negativity? You won’t even have to go to Lowe’s or Home Depot, it’s free and it’s easy. Be satisfied. That’s it, satisfaction is the all the caulking you need. When you lower your expectations you are satisfied with less and when you are satisfied there is nothing to complain about. Unlike Keith Richards I can get satisfaction and I’m doing it by letting go of my expectations. This week I am caulking the cracks of my mind with satisfaction. I’ll go back to being driven and determined next week…or not.
i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
I often find I have to manage my expectations.