To watch a video presentation of this article, you may click on this link: Some Lessons Learned through the Struggle of My Expectations Video Presentation
In today’s article, I would like to share some lessons that I learned through the struggle of my expectations. What I learned gave me hope.
Several articles ago I shared with you about my shoulder injury: Continuing to Train in Martial Arts with Rotator Cuff Tears — Don’t Give Up on Your Goals.
In that article, I shared with you that the MRI revealed that I had several tears, as well as several other contributing factors.
I then went on to share that I had met with a physical therapist, who told me that I did not have to have surgery, which was a relief.
Beginning Physical Therapy
Several days ago I had my first physical therapy appointment, which went well, however, I found myself focusing on things that were out of my control. Certain things that distracted and “inflamed” my expectations. Expectations of matters that were out of my control. Matters that had me questioning whether I wanted to find a different physical therapy office.
After praying and meditating on what decision to make, I decided to write about my experience with the physical therapy office. In the process of writing about my experience and my expectations what dawned on me was that I had lost my focus.
Instead of focusing on what my end goal for being in physical therapy — strengthening my shoulder — I realized that I was focusing on my expectations of what I could not change.
As I wrote in my journal, I realized that I had allowed my focus to change from why I was in physical therapy (what I could change — to strengthen my shoulder and avoid surgery) to what I was powerless to change — what I did not like about the office and procedures).
As my focus changed, so did my perspective. As my perspective changed I began to realize that the problem was not the office or procedures. The problem was my expectations of the office and procedures.
As my perspective changed I began to realize how fortunate I was to be able to receive physical therapy through this office.
Some Lessons Learned through the Struggle of My Expectations
- I am not powerless to change the things I can
- Focus on what I can change, not on what I can’t change
- My circumstances are meant to build me up, not keep me down
- My circumstances are teaching me lessons. I need to be open to learning
- I am not a prisoner of my expectations
- I do not have to stay stuck by my anxiety
- I do not have to focus on what I am powerless to change
- My expectations of people, places, and things get me in trouble
- What I need to focus on is keeping my expectations low and my acceptance high (of what I am powerless to change)
- I can ask for what I need, but then I need to let go
- I need to keep my focus on the goal and not allow myself to be distracted by what is out of my control
- Don’t allow my expectations to distract me
- Don’t allow my expectations to keep me from experiencing good in my life
- Keep my focus on the goal(s) that I want to achieve in and through life
- Struggles are meant to empower me through awareness, acceptance, and action
- Through struggle, I can find freedom
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