Category: Expectations
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Are you being rude to yourself?
For some of us, the people who taught us when we were young might have been tough. They believed that by being rude to us, they were also helping us build character and succeed. Whether their approach was effective or not, their voice stays with us. We learn to be rude to ourselves in the…
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If they can do it, so can you
When I was 18, I had contemplated wearing contact lenses for at least a couple of years. I had a hunch that I’d look a little better without glasses. But I’d gotten familiar with wearing them, and I didn’t know if the effort put into wearing contact lenses would be worth it. This sense of…
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Be mindful of what you’re getting good at
A friend of mine had moved from Toronto to Hong Kong for work. When he first arrived, he didn’t know anyone. He had a decision to make: He could get really good at spending time by himself, including sitting at home in the evenings and watching TV. Or, he could get really good at socializing.…
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Respond to mistakes with guilt and gratitude
When someone points out or fixes a mistake you made, you can decide to respond with guilt for making the mistake in the first place, or gratitude for their support. Guilt helps you create change. It also makes sure you don’t make the same mistake again. Once you have made the change, you don’t need…
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Create space for the things you want, so they can find you
What do you want more of in your life? Have you created space and time for it? It’s easy and comfortable to fill spaces with things you’re familiar with or good at. It’s difficult and uncomfortable to create space for the things you want, especially when they’re unfamiliar. If you’ve been yearning to travel, you…
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Giving thanks
In the days when most people used to farm, the end of the harvest called for a celebration. One can imagine families finally feeling a sense of certainty—knowing how much food they produced, and the relief that it would be enough to survive the winter—and wanting to express gratitude for making it another year around…