While realistic expectations can make us, unrealistic can break us.

"Realistic expectations are the key to happiness. Unrealistic expectations are the key to disappointment." - Dr. Lisa Firestone

If we go by the literal meaning of Expectation, it can be defined as our strong hopes or beliefs that something will happen or that we will get something that we want.

This word, made of eleven alphabets, possess the ability to make any individual feel either delighted or devastated. For instance, if one is expecting to achieve something and he/she actually ends up achieving that, they will be very elated. But, let's think about the contrast, what if they don't achieve that particular thing? What will happen?

For each and every situation, expectations vary. Like, sometimes we expect small things while sometimes our expectations are as big as mountains. Here, I am not attempting to assert that expectations never gets fulfilled; they do get fulfilled but not in every case. AND THAT'S THE POINT.

Till now, I was only throwing light on an individual's expectations from oneself. Now, let's move a bit further towards the expectations of others from us.

Everyone expects something from others. Whether these are the expectations of parents from their children or vice versa. Whether expectations of a person from his/her spouse. Or maybe, expectations of a person from their siblings or friends. These examples are innumerable. I have just listed a minuscule amount. In my opinion, "Expectations are endless" and they will never end.

And now let's dive a bit deeper into the world of expectations. What happens due to these expectations?

The very first thing that happens is we start running in the race of fulfilling these expectations, both our own and of others from us. As these expectations increase, our speed in the race also increases. We are continuously running, running, running, running and still running. The point here is "Expectations are endless and so is the race."

We would be running till the very last moment but this race will never end. These expectations will never end. Even if we are endeavouring our best to fulfill these expectations, there will remain someone who will expect a bit more from us. This "Bit More" will never end.

And what is the result of this race? We are running endlessly in this race, not realizing that we are leaving behind the most beautiful and happy moments of our lives. We are missing out on everyday small moments of happiness for chasing something unrealistic. We are leaving behind LIFE because of this race.

I believe that sometimes we individuals have this tendency of having unrealistic expectations, both from ourselves and from others. These expectations are unhealthy. We should realize what we actually want, how much work can be done realistically, what are our strengths and weaknesses. If we want to achieve growth and development, we need to set realistic expectations and work towards achieving them. Unrealistic expectations, all of them (within us, from others and the ones others have from us) takes a toll on one's thoughts, self image and confidence.

We should learn how to differentiate between realistic and unrealistic expectations. We should learn to be loving towards ourselves and not to criticize ourselves. We should learn to take rest , to take breaks, to care of our well-being.

Lastly, I want to quote the words that I have read somewhere in a book. 

"Neither we are bound to fulfill the unrealistic expectations of others nor we have the right to expect something unrealistic from others."

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