I think the theme for today is expectations. Are you the type of person that has expectations of certain situations or events? I know I am. It's not right or wrong to have expectations, but I have learned my expectations need to be flexible or it could ruin my mood and/or day. I will admit I have a hard time living in the moment when my expectations are not met or the situation turns out differently. This is an ongoing learning process for me. I don't know about you, but my expectations say so much more about me than someone else. I had a lot of learning experiences this week.
As I have wrote last week my niece Melanie is visiting. We have done quite a bit over the week as I tried to give her a fun adventure. We have had our ups and downs in the communication area and I know I took several deep breaths and at times went into a quiet retreat. I'm sure she, in her own way, did the same thing. I am not used to trying to make a 15 year old happy so perhaps I was trying too hard. Part of me thought we had to keep going and going like the Energizer bunny as I did not want to waste a minute. I forgot that teens like to sleep and want to do things on their time schedule which is definitely not my time schedule. Can you hear my expectations screaming out here? We had a good time don't get me wrong - we laughed, played tourist, and ate out a lot. I won't deny that I shed a few tears over the past week as I wondered if she had a good time or if she would want to spend any time with me in the future. I realize its my own insecurities that show up when my expectations are not met as I think I'm not a good aunt or I'm doing something wrong. I just have to remember that I love her; I'm creating what I hope are good memories for her; she sees that I'm a woman that she can emulate; and I'm doing the best I can. How about you? Do you have expectations that drive you crazy when they are not met? What about insecurities? Do you feel expectations and insecurities are related?
Melanie and I went to Washington, DC the other day via metro to have the experience. It was one of the really hot July days in DC and the air was a bit stifling. We went through a museum, ate some lunch at a decent restaurant and then wandered the streets so to speak. Just as we took a seat under a tree in front of the White House - they decided to clear the area. I thought - someone important is coming if they are clearing the area. We went down the street and sat on a bench to watch the activities. We had a nice bench under a tree and watched the clearing of streets, the helicopter over head and more and more people directing traffic. People were not even allowed to cross the street at some points. I said to Melanie, I bet the President is out and about. We got moved further down the street and to me it was fascinating to watch the preparation. Sure enough about 30 minutes later we can hear the sirens and then the motorcade comes by. Melanie got a nice video on her phone of the motorcade. Some people can live here for a long time and never see a motorcade. It was pretty exciting as I watched the security and the tourists. We never got back to the front of the White House for pics as we were both so hot that day. Thank you to my BFF for driving us downtown this morning for some last minute pictures.
Melanie and I are off for a few more days of adventure in NYC with my sister and nephew. So much to do in a few days, but we'll pack it in. I love NYC and can't wait to go there again. There is so much to do and see. I told them to create a list of what they want to see and do and we'll try to get it done.
I had no time for reading this past week, but hope to accomplish some in the next few weeks. Are you reading anything interesting? Anything that is described as summer reading?
I am going to leave it here for today. I hope you have a wonderful week. Take care. Chat soon. Marie
I was looking up inspiration quotes today and came across the following. As it's picture form if you don't see it you may have to go directly to my website: http://beaconcoaching.weebly.com/blog