How to Fail Myself with Expectations

This reading from August 4th (ODAT) was also read at my Saturday Al-anon fellowship. Alas it is one of those readings that makes me think of my mom. I need to internalize it, and I wish my mom could do the same in her dealings with me.  If only wishes were horses, we'd both ride high!

"One source of frustration we seldom recognize is in expecting too much of others or expecting too specifically what we feel they ought to be, say, give or do.

If I expect another person to react in a certain way to a given situation, and he or she fails to meet my expectation, have I the right to be disappointed or angry?

Every human being has his own individual drives and motivations, beyond my understanding or control. I may say, "But he knew what I expected," not realizing that it may have been precisely for this reason that he rebelled and acted otherwise.

My search for peace of mind will bear fruit much more readily if I stop expecting and relax into acceptance.

Today's Reminder

I will not set a pattern based on my own experiences and wishes--and expect someone else to live up to it. This is interference of a subtle and damaging kind; it damages my peace of mind and dignity; and those I am smothering with my expectations.

I, too, often fail to live up to the expectations of others."