“It was one of those times you feel a sense of loss, even though you didn’t have something in the first place. I guess that’s what disappointment is – a sense of loss for something you never had.” – Deb Caletti, The Nature of Jade
Optimism and hope sometimes fail us.
While the scenarios in our head often seem logical and completely plausible to come to fruition, we frequently forget there are still so many other variables beyond our control – so many factors we just didn’t consider.
I currently find myself with such a dilemma.
An opportunity I felt confident would lead me down a new path on a new journey, may have been a premature conclusion on my part.
Optimism and hope it seems has certainly gotten the better of me on this one.
It’s funny, as Caletti says, there is a feeling of loss left behind, which is somewhat amusing seeing as how everything has pretty much been status quo up to this point. I guess that’s what being hopeful really does. It allows the mind to run wild – creating “what ifs” and other fantasies based on what we desire, not what’s reality.
But then I came across this anonymous quote – “We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.”
It was at that moment when I was reminded of a mantra I’ve lived by all my life, and so often dismiss with little importance. “Everything happens for a reason.”
As cliché as it might sound, it has proven itself true time and time again in my life – even through some of the more difficult struggles.
Okay optimism and hope – I suppose we can still be friends. But until the next opportunity comes about, I think I’m going to adopt the words of Patricia McCormick:
“I have a strategy. Why expect anything? If you don’t expect anything, you don’t get disappointed.”
Sounds like a plan to me.
