Expectations: The Unseen Forces Shaping Our Lives
Episode Overview
Expectations can lead to disappointment if unmet. Recognising stealth expectations is crucial for mental health. Mindfulness helps identify and manage unspoken demands. Gratitude envisioning can reduce resentment. Career progression in recovery requires realistic expectations.
Disappointment is unmet expectations. The more significant the expectations, the more significant the disappointment.
The Willow Center Podcast kicks off Season 4 with a lively discussion on expectations, hosted by Chase Cotten and Mason. This episode dives into the role expectations play in our mental health and recovery journeys, shedding light on how these unspoken demands can impact relationships and self-perception. Chase and Mason draw from Brené Brown's book, Atlas of the Heart, to explore how unmet expectations can lead to disappointment and resentment.
They share personal anecdotes about stealth expectations in everyday life, from honeymoon mishaps to parenting challenges, making the topic relatable and engaging. Mason shares his experiences with stealth expectations during his honeymoon, where plans to hike were replaced by relaxation due to post-wedding exhaustion. Chase talks about his journey as a father, highlighting the stealth expectations he had about intuitively understanding his daughter's needs. These stories serve as a reminder that unspoken expectations can lead to unnecessary stress and disappointment.
The hosts also touch on common expectations in recovery, such as career progression and bodily experiences, emphasising the importance of recognising and managing these stealth expectations. They offer practical advice for listeners struggling with unspoken demands, including mindfulness practices and gratitude envisioning. With humour and warmth, Chase and Mason invite you to reflect on your own expectations and consider how they might be affecting your life.
Whether you're navigating recovery or simply curious about the role of expectations, this episode offers valuable insights and support. So, why not take a moment to listen and see what expectations you might need to adjust?