Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Perceptions and Expectations
We all carry perceptions of others and have expectations of them based on our perceptions. But are these perceptions correct? Are our expectations fair? We may find we get caught up in trying to meet their expectations. Do we feel pressured to please them? Stepping outside of the perception others have of us is often uncomfortable. What they perceive is not who we are, it is their perception of who they think we are. Their expectations may be based their beliefs and value system that may not be ours. Yet we still try to meet those expectations. Perceptions may be based on past knowledge of who we were in the past. We grow, we evolve, mature, and gain in self knowledge and wisdom and this growth may make others uncomfortable. There is so much freedom when we realize that the perceptions and expectations of others are not ours. We can choose our own path and be our authentic self. Letting go of our expectations and perceptions of others and see them as they truly are is a gift, we give to them. And stepping into our authentic self and let ourselves be we truly are is a gift, we give ourselves. Please feel free to share if you are so inspired. Picture taken by F. Jones and written by TC