Expectations

I have been thinking this morning about my expectations.
I actually heard the other day, that research says reminiscing is good for a person.  I like that, because I can do that!
Not to say everything is in the past.   I happen to like old stuff. I see my life like a treasure chest.  I like to bring out old things and have a look at them, along with any new things I learn along the way.   I guess a person reaches a certain age, and the past is longer than the future.  That is what a table tennis player said to me recently.  He said, he knows what lies ahead is shorter than what has gone before.  Statically, there is a good chance he is right.
Anyway, my thinking this morning about my expectations is that, I rightly have them, but I should not be limited by them.  By that I mean, sometimes things happen way beyond my expectation.
I had to sit an exam on a book.  I had not read the book.  I happen to be reading at the time another book called “How to Develop a Superpower Memory.”  I know how much good it did me, by the fact I have forgotten most of what it said.  However, at the time it proved really useful.  I knew the chapter headings of the book were a synopsis of what the chapters contained.  The book I was reading, said make ridiculous associations to aid memory.  So that is what I did.  I made associations for each chapter title.  My expectation was to pass the exam.  I was told quietly by the one setting the exam that I topped the class!  My expectations were greatly exceeded.  I am sure it would have been better to read the book, but desperate times demanded desperate measures, and they worked.
By the same token I had sit for another exam, and I did not know my subject.  I expected to fail and I was not disappointed.  Well I was and I was not.  What I expected happened.
I have noticed that so often what I and others expect, happens.  I have seen negative people expect the worst and it happens!  That of course is disappointing but it happens.  Unless there is some sort of intervention, then unfortunately is a fact of life.
So what does it all mean for me?  I reckon, any realistic expectations I have should be met.  I am however, open to the fact that those expectations may be met beyond my wildest imaginations.