Managing Expectations On Our Trip Into the Future
In a recent Gathering of women in their sixties, we addressed a topic that resonated deeply with many of us: navigating the path toward our older self. It wasn't a discussion about embarking on some grand journey or envisioning a linear progression into the unknown. No, it was a candid conversation about what we want to carry forward into our futures and what we're content to leave behind.
From Antarctica to Vietnam: Lessons from Travelers
One participant, just from an expedition to Antarctica, shared her reflections with a refreshing honesty. While she couldn't deny the thrill of the adventure, she had a subtle sense of disappointment in her voice. She confessed that she wished she had packed more patience and tolerance for group dynamics, leaving behind the weight of her expectations.
Her words struck a chord with many of us. It's not about erasing expectations altogether; it's about tempering them with realism. Another member recounted her recent journey to Vietnam, where she had anticipated the lush, unending green of rice paddies only to find them harvested and barren. Disappointment, she admitted, crept into her experience.
Befriending Disappointments and Tempering Expectations in Travel and Life
This notion of managing expectations isn't confined to travel alone; it mirrors our challenges in our later years. We may have envisioned retirement as a time of boundless exploration, only to be tethered by unforeseen circumstances like a global pandemic or a partner's health struggles. Grandchildren we imagined doting on may never materialize, leaving us grappling with a different reality.
None of us want to sound entitled or unappreciative, but the sting of disappointment is familiar. We find resilience in acknowledging these realities and recalibrating our expectations. Just as we adapt to the shifting realities of our travels, so must we adapt to the twists and turns of the journey of growing older.
Packing Our Bags for the Future
Let's carry the wisdom gleaned from past disappointments as we move ahead. Let's leave behind the rigid expectations and go with open minds and compassionate hearts. In embracing the unexpected, what we might discover outweighs the disappointments.