Today marked the beginning of another year in my mid-age journey. I was thrilled to unveil my revamped website and launch my new podcast, ‘Tech, Talk and Tales’. For weeks, I’ve been diligently preparing for this moment, envisioning a chat show-inspired podcast that delves into topics such as Well Being, Entrepreneurship, Technology, Career, and Parenting. My aim was to inspire those grappling with motivation and mental wellbeing, providing scientific insights on how our brains function. By exploring the science behind adaptation and change, I hoped to empower people to improve their lives, performance, and mindset. These blogs would serve not only as a guide for my readers but also as a personal reference during my own challenging times.
Though I had been contemplating this endeavor for quite some time, I kept postponing the video shoot. The idea of offering advice to a generation that seemingly has everything at their fingertips felt daunting. While I had created videos in the past, they were primarily for personal reflection. This time, I felt a greater sense of responsibility as I aimed to provide genuine information to those struggling. I awaited the perfect moment to record my podcasts, longing for the confidence that had eluded me. Little did I know, fate had different plans in store.
Currently, my town is experiencing the monsoon season, which brings chaos and torrential rains. My organization recently initiated a mandatory return to office policy, requiring employees to work from the office two days a week. However, since I collaborate with colleagues in Poland, Argentina, and the United States, the objective of returning to the office didn’t apply to me. As a result, I still feel like an outsider when I step into the office, haunted by the challenges of being an ambivert. Returning to the muddy puddles of parking spaces reminded me of my kids’ favorite cartoon, ‘Peppa Pig’. Yesterday, I left the office earlier than usual, dreading the acrobatics required to navigate those puddles and reach my car. Lost in thought, I missed the last step and tumbled down, my leg twisted. Concerned bystanders rushed to assist me, offering water and support. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel embarrassed; instead, I felt grateful for their help during my moment of distress. To cut a long story short, I now find myself with a cast on my leg, unable to move freely even within the confines of my own home.
Initially, I found amusement in taking self-deprecating selfies and navigating my home in a chair. I relied on a walking stick to move around. However, the initial joy quickly faded, and I realized that the day I had eagerly anticipated for celebration had been lost. It was then that a quote from a friend’s WhatsApp status came to mind:
“When you learn to accept instead of expect, you will have fewer disappointments.”
Typically, I strive to give my all in every task, often burdened with high expectations. When my efforts go unnoticed or unrecognized, it becomes difficult for me to digest, leading to self-criticism and waning motivation. But this time, I made a conscious choice to accept. I accepted that the operations team is helpless during rainy scenarios, and that’s okay. I accepted that security measures can be limiting, and that’s okay. I accepted that I have to use the stairs because the elevator doesn’t reach my floor, and that’s okay. I accepted that I missed the last step, and that’s okay. I accepted that I couldn’t release the podcast as planned, and that’s okay. I embraced the situation and adapted accordingly, hand-in-hand with the opportunities I have. I decided to take a day off, spending my birthday in bed, and I was delighted that my parents and sister’s family joined me to celebrate. I found solace in the fact that my family was there, assisting with the preparations, and I am grateful for the opportunity to write this blog today.
If you’re someone who harbors high expectations in life, from yourself and the world around you, I encourage you to incorporate this simple statement:
“Accepting is better than expecting.”
Remember, it’s not an easy feat, but by accepting the situation at hand, we can find contentment and make the most of our circumstances.
