Expect the Unexpected

Expect the Unexpected

If your happiness is based on the expectation of what MAY happen, then you are basing your joy on the future. The future hasn’t happened and is subject to change, so the likelihood of your happiness getting derailed is actually fairly large.

I’ve been in this position a lot in my life. I remember a time—well a few times—when I have been at the precipice of something big either in publishing, theater, or music. Everything looked like I was going to land a big contract. I banked on the hope of what was coming because of the expectation that was offered me through agents, managers, and friends. Then, what happened was just the opposite. You can become a pessimist from opportunity knocking too often and then slamming the door in your face. I know, for sure.

But the truth is that when opportunity knocks it is just opportunity. The actuality of the prize ahead is not what has been offered. So, if you are used to getting ahead of yourself, you will find that you may always be a little disappointed with life. The process of big things happening is usually slow and unexpected.

Opportunity is a clear indicator that you are headed in the right direction though. When I would get out of my funk about not getting that much-deserved contract, I would allow myself the thought that, at least, I was being considered for something grand. Not everyone gets considered for big things in life. That’s a win, too.

I had a client recently who had been looking for a job for about six months. She has been getting overly anxious about finding one, especially in this market and at Christmas. When life places opportunity at your doorstep, the best you can be is ready for it. So, the two things you can do to get ready are to be practiced and on point when the opportunity for what you do comes along. And be on the hunt on-line and moving from place to place meeting new people.

If you’re an artist, paint those paintings. If you’re a singer, have that demo ready. If you’re an actor, make sure you have a great audition ready, great pics and résumé, and maybe even an EPK (electronic press kit). If you are looking for a job in other fields, in this market a résumé and cover letter are everything. If the cover letter is not sleek and short and to the point, it will be tossed. If your résumé isn’t in the perfect font, neatly done, edited to the place where there are absolutely no extra words, than it will be tossed as well.

In this day and age there are always 500-1000 people looking for the same job. You have to be on the cutting edge and bringing something special to the table to get noticed. As a professional writer the first thing you are taught is what font, character spacing, and presentation of your work you should use. Publishers know when a novice doesn’t know what he/she is doing. There are 500 people who do know what they are doing, so why waste valuable time reading something that is formatted incorrectly? Most publishers won’t.

Christmas time is a time of expectation. We want lists of things. We want our partners to treat us special. We want eggnog and hot cider around a tree of carolers. We want dancing colored lights to gaily caress us as we waltz through the holiday season.

The truth, though, is that we should be happy with the small things and expect little. If more is given, the happier you’ll be. Today I had a few surprise presents and cards and phone calls. I hadn’t expected any of it. My day was filled with extra joy. At the end of the day, what I did expect, though, didn’t happen, and I found myself a little depressed.

How can life be so giving in one moment and take away the very thing I wanted the most? But God’s way isn’t our way. We learn the lessons of the universe by practicing and rehearsing the issues we struggle with the most. So, today I let go and let God take away any need for expectation. Instead, I allow myself to be immersed in the ever spontaneous, flowing, unlimited love of God.

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Bo Sebastian is a Hypnotherapist and LifeCoach, available for private sessions to Quit Smoking, Lose Weight with the new Lap Band-Hypnosis, CHANGE YOUR MIND, CHANGE YOUR LIFE! at 615-400-2334.  

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