When Expectations Fall Short

Unknown Speaker

Hey everybody, welcome back to the Pleasant Spirit Podcast. I’m your host Kyle Pleasant. It's been awhile since I've posted an episode. I'm going to try out a new format that will make it easier for me to post more episodes. Also I'm adding a co-host, my wife, Kelsey. So let us know what you think. Today, we’re diving into a fun little topic called... “Why life doesn’t do what we tell it to.” Or, you know, unmet expectations. Which, honestly, is like, every Tuesday for me.

Kelsey

And I’m Kelsey—your friendly co-host, recovering control freak, and, uh, expert in getting disappointed by everything from restaurant food to, like, spiritual awakenings. Seriously, if there’s a way to expect too much, I’ve probably done it. I mean, I once got mad at a salad for not being crunchy enough. That’s where I’m at.

Unknown Speaker

Oh, I totally get that. I mean, I can’t even count how many times I’ve built up a vacation in my head, you know, like, “This is gonna be the trip that changes everything!” And then, I dunno, it rains the whole time, or I get food poisoning, or—well, you get the idea. Life just doesn’t read my script.

Kelsey

Right? And it’s like, I always have this little checklist in my head: What was I hoping for? What actually happened? And then, the big one—what can I release, or learn, so I don’t, like, spiral into a puddle of disappointment?

Unknown Speaker

Yeah, and sometimes, honestly, I just need to ask myself, “Am I actually upset about this, or do I just need a snack or a nap?” I mean, half the time, I’m just hangry. Or tired. Or, you know, trying to fix other people’s behavior, which is a whole other thing.

Kelsey

Oh my gosh, yes! Bonus question: “Do I need a snack, a nap, or to stop trying to fix other people’s behavior?” The answer is always yes. All three. I should just tattoo that on my arm or something.

Unknown Speaker

I’d get that tattooed too, honestly. But, you know, I think there’s something kind of beautiful about letting go of those expectations. Like, when I stop trying to control every little thing, I actually notice the good stuff that’s happening right in front of me. Even if it’s not what I planned.

Kelsey

Totally. And sometimes, when I let go, I realize I was missing out on something better than what I was hoping for. Or at least, something funnier. Like, the universe has a sense of humor, I swear.

Unknown Speaker

Yeah, and I think, too, it’s about being gentle with ourselves. Like, it’s okay to feel disappointed. It’s normal. But then, maybe we can ask, “What can I learn from this?” Or, “How can I be a little kinder to myself right now?”

Kelsey

Exactly. And, you know, sometimes the best self-care is just admitting, “Hey, I’m bummed out, and that’s okay.” And then maybe, like, go for a walk, or pet a dog, or eat a cookie. Or all three. I’m not judging.

Unknown Speaker

No judgment here. I’m all about the cookie therapy. So, if you’re listening and you’re dealing with some unmet expectations—just know, you’re not alone. We’re all in this together, figuring it out as we go.

Kelsey

Yeah, and if you need a reminder, just ask yourself: “Do I need a snack, a nap, or to stop trying to fix other people?” The answer is probably yes. And hey, we’ll be back next time with more stories, more laughs, and probably more unmet expectations to talk about.

Unknown Speaker

Thanks for hanging out with us today. Take care of yourselves, and each other. See you next time, And thank you Kelsey for joining me on this journey!

Kelsey

Bye everyone—go get that snack! If you like what you here, be sure you like and subscribe.