Disappointment, Root of All Unhappiness

Disappointment is your thought that
God doesn't know what God is doing.
- Neale Donald Walsch

There is a continuum of belief in an omnipotent and benevolent God that runs from "absolutely," through "I hope so," and "maybe," to "absolutely not." [There are also many - such as my wonderful Hindu friends -  who believe in a God or Gods that are not omnipotent, not benevolent, or both, but that is a subject for another day.]

Those who have unswerving faith in an omnipotent and benevolent God can never be disappointed, and are quite likely the happiest among us. Whatever happens in the world or in one's personal life can be regarded as the blessed work of God. If something appears unjust or unfair or evil or immoral, the response of a person of true faith, is not disappointment, but praise: "Clearly, what is happening is good, because it is the work of my omnipotent and benevolent God. If His work appears to my eyes to be flawed, the fault lies with my eyes. I  pray that I may see all God's works as good."

At the opposite end of the spectrum, one who is quite sure the God is a figment of the human imagination can certainly never be disappointed by any expectations of God.

Expectations - Demands

There is nothing I ever need to have.
There is nothing I ever need to do.
I Say NO to the demands of the world.
I Say YES to the longings of my own heart.
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

Expectations, like assumptions, are a grave danger to your emotional health.

An expectation is a demand. In a sentence such as, "I expect you to be on-time for work tomorrow," the demand is clearly stated. However, expectations are often invisible.

A person may know, as a perceived fact, that it is their spouse's duty to take out the trash, or to wash the dishes. If there has been no explicit mutual agreement to the obligation, the expectation (demand) is an invisible one - created by cultural tradition.

Improve your professional and personal relationships, and lead a more joyful life, by becoming aware of these invisible perceived expectations (demands).

As with assumptions, because expectations are often invisible, you can't tackle them all at once. But do be conscious of their existence, and stamp out each expectation as soon as you catch a glimpse of it.

There will be many times in your life when agreeing to the demands of another is a good decision. Just make sure that you obligate yourself by conscious decision - and not through the handcuffs of unconscious cultural tradition.

Read my personal story of dealing with expectations: Assumption, Expectation, and Anger - A Personal Confession