You expect fairness.

You expect a big reward.

You expect respect from others.

You expect love.

You expect your wife to wait on you hand and foot.

You expect your husband to treat you as an equal.

You expect to be treated as master of the house.

You expect your husband to do his share of the housework.

You expect that others think like you do.

You expect to be treated like a victim.

You expect to be treated like a hero.

You expect life will follow the path you choose.

You expect to survive this life.

You expect others to treat you well, without anger.

You expect others to be kind.

You expect others to judge you by your intentions not your actions.

You expect that life will treat you differently than others.

You expect mother and father to forgive you.

You expect your parents to treat you like an equal.

You expect equal treatment between races, ideologies, social classes.

You expect others to recognize your worth.

You expect to become powerful and wealthy.

You expect less stress.

You expect to be happy.

Are any of these working for you?

Time brings the events to you.

Can you tell what the future will bring?

Still, you have to find happiness.

Even as life is lived in the here and now.

Be aware of everything as you look about you, as if seeing your surroundings for the first, and last, time.

Taste your breath; relish the colour of the sky; absorb the breeze caressing your skin; admire the blue sky; hear the songs of your family and friends; hear the sounds of the city or country; enjoy the thoughts you have; enjoy the conversations.

Be there. Not on some imaginary voyage where everything turns out exactly as you expect. Expectations take you out of the moment, just as much as regret for the life you have lived.

The greater your expectations, the greater your suffering and stress and disappointment.

Accept what is. Be grateful that you are here and that you can experience life.

Expect only this moment.