When Disappointment Turns to Resentment and How You Can Change It.

It’s the time of year when gift giving is all around us. Most of us are participating in these festivities one way or another. Some of us like the element of surprise when we receive a gift, while others find it easier to provide friends and family with a list of items they wish to receive. Either way, there’s an open window for disappointment during this season….that is, if you let there be.

The following post discusses how our expectations have the power to leave us feeling disappointed and resentful if we do not feel the gifts we receive are  “special enough”. This post does not specifically discuss gift during this holiday season, but it seems just as important. Remember, gifts aren’t always material either. So, spend a minute reflecting on different types of gifts others might have given you in the past and whether or not you were able to feel appreciative, or if you felt resentful, and why. Lowering your expectations of others and focusing on intention helps pave the road for gratitude, unconditional love, acceptance, and happiness in life.

Enjoy…and Happy Holidays!

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This post is a reblog from…

POSITIVE THOUGHTS:Practice the Power of Positive Thinking

Have you ever been disappointed by the way someone remembered your birthday or anniversary?  Have you anticipated a special present for Christmas and then had to conceal your disappointment when you opened the box? Disappointment turns to resentment: “Why don’t they care about me?  Why aren’t they more aware of my needs and preferences?  Why won’t they love me the way I want to be loved?”

They love you the only way they know how: their way.  Are you able to recognize and accept other people’s styles of loving?

You can  always try to teach people to love you in your style, but never expect anyone, no matter how close, to read your mind and heart.  Tell them what you want.  The investment you make in surprise is often a hidden expectation that brings disappointment. Better yet, buy yourself your heart’s desire.  Don’t turn special days into tests of love.  Take care of yourself in the style you prefer–yours.  Then, anything else you receive on that day will seem like extra love that you can enjoy without hurtful expectations.

Photo by Jennifer James.

It is essential that our love be liberating, not possessive.

We must at all times give those we love the freedom to be themselves. Love affirms the other as other.

It  does not possess and manipulate another as mine. . . . To love is to liberate. 

Love and friendship must empower those we love to become their best selves, according to their own lights and visions.

Written by John Powell