New Years always start the same, a count down, a couple cozy in the corner, falling confetti that sticks to the tips of your hair, and a glass of champagne to toast new beginnings. Most people look forward to the hopes of a new year and the opportunities that it will bring. I always have a tinge of sadness. Another year passed, another number to scribble next to the date, and ,often times, a year mixed with joy and disappointment.
The fear of disappointment. I think this is something many of us struggle with deep down, but aren’t willing to admit. New Years make me nervous, out of the fear of being disappointed. Disappointed by myself, others, the world, or that maybe the year just won’t live up to my expectations.
Atelophobia- the fear of being imperfect- is the word that comes to mind. I must admit, begrudgingly, that I struggle with this most; the fear of being imperfect. But I’m tired of people telling me to lower my expectations, because they’re not all that high, they’re just honest and real, and something I wish was more universal.
I don’t typically make New Years resolutions, because most track records will show, they hardly ever last the entire year. And to be quite frank, if I want to change something about myself I’d much rather start immediately. An idea has been tossed around lately, though, of creating a word that is your mantra for the new year and I, for one, think this is a great alternative.
For example:
If your choice word were love-you could implement that into various assets of your life; self love, interpersonal love, world love, creative love, peace, etc.
I think this allows room for disappointment to be squashed and the ability to grow in new areas you previously weren’t capable of reaching before.
Disappointment, unfortunately, is a reality of this world, because it is imperfect. But, I’m tired of lowering my standards and expectations just for the sake of protecting myself from being disappointed. I’ve chosen to make room for disappointment, but not to expect it. To set it aside and let other things blossom out of it, rather than allow bitterness to pluck my petals of hope off one by one.
So, when expectations aren’t met, when standards aren’t held, and when you’re left disappointed- don’t resort to lowering your expectations. I personally think that’s the easy way out; the high road is much more rewarding, and usually full of fun twists and turns. God doesn’t lower his expectations for us, so why should we be any different? “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”, Romans 15:13. Lets allow hope and faith to conquer all our fears of disappointment.
TwentySomething 