Turn yourself around

Baby Step 33 to Fall into Better Habits

In every situation I find myself in, I am genuinely caring and I give completely of myself with no expectation of anything in return. And yet I do not give my children the same grace. I expect them to be different. I expect more from them. I hold them to higher standards. I expect too much.

When I used to serve customers at Starbucks, I didn’t expect them to give me a reward or a compliment or to come home and give me a hug to make me feel better. I served them and the action was COMPLETE.

I am sharing this intimate detail from my own life to reiterate a promise to my children, and myself, to expect only that…

I will love them more and more each and every day I am blessed to be able to do that.

And, even though that’s what I’ve always done, it may have been hard for them to see that because it was blocked by expectations. So, my loves, this heartfelt message is for you.

And, if it can help someone else salvage a relationship in their own life, then it’s even better.

(#more today than yesterday) image courtesy of Unsplash

Because when we let go of expectations, we get to make magical memories so we can look backward with love and look forward with joy.

With that in mind, today’s Baby Step is to take a close look at the relationships we have with the people we love the most and ask ourselves this:

Am I expecting too much? How important is this (fill in the blank) that I am willing to make all of us miserable?

Because life isn’t about meeting expectations, though that’s what society and social media preach. I’m here to tell you what it’s really about. And, I’m putting it in large print so you don’t miss it.

Life is about connection and creativity and adventure and enjoyment and fun. It’s about sharing and laughing and singing and dancing.

Speaking of which…

I grew up listening to the same old songs at every wedding, communion and graduation I was forced to attend. At the top of that list was the Hokey Pokey (that title wouldn’t stand a chance in 2023).

The main chorus of the song implies that if you do the Hokey Pokey and you turn yourself around then that’s what it’s all about.

Maybe, instead of being a ridiculous party song, it’s the best damned piece of advice I’ve ever been given! Let’s do that, shall we? Let’s Hokey Pokey the crap out of our relationships.

Let’s go turn ourselves around and remember that having a good time with the peeps we love really IS what it’s all about.

(#turn around bright eyes) image courtesy of Google

PS As I was sending out the DDD today, I noticed it’s Friday the 13th. LOL. What a perfect day to get rid of old superstitions and ridiculous beliefs and unrealistic expectations so we can begin anew. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got plans to have fun with my kids for the next few days and I hope you’ll do the same with your loved ones. Hugs to all :)

Next, go check your inbox for today's affirmation. Then watch the video HERE.

PS We began this series in September of 2023. You haven’t missed out! Find the tips and techniques used in this series, plus bonus material, in a downloadable format where you can track your progress. Find out more about it HERE.