Good afternoon Community. I see and hear you. For some people, January was a great start to the year, and for others, it wasn’t what they expected. Key word here is ‘expected’. Let’s define the word ‘Expectation’. Expectation is the belief that something will happen, or is likely to happen. This belief is held by so many people, in fact, that’s the only way most people thrive; by expecting. But evidence shows this can only lead to dissatisfaction and disappointment. When you expect, you project your wants, not putting into consideration the world around you, and things that happen without cause. Let’s take an example: You leave for work by 7:30am, hoping to reach your office by 8:00am because you have an important meeting. However, due to an unprecedented morning traffic, you end up getting to work by 8:30am. How would you feel? Since you already expected being there by 8, you’d feel disappointed and angry, and if not curtailed, it might ruin your day. But remember, the traffic wasn’t your fault. It just happened because that’s what things do, they just happen. What am I driving at? Do your best, but don’t attach any expectations to it. - I look good today, so I expect to get a lot of compliments ❌ - ⁠I put in so much effort, so I expect to get commended ❌ - ⁠I am so charitable, so I expect to feel good about myself ❌. Thoughts like this always lead to disappointments, and overall dissatisfaction with life. So, if January didn’t turn out as expected, it’s because you failed to see the daily blessings that surrounded you everyday. You failed to see how you avoided a particular situation by being more discerning. You failed to see how so much better you’ve gotten at self regulating. You failed to see your progress. Don’t worry, it’s universal. This month, I want us to be different. - I want us to do our best, but not expect anything out of it - ⁠I want us to be aware of everything that happens to us, and be thankful for it - ⁠I want us to look for the positives in every situation, and ways to get ourselves out of a rut - ⁠I want us to continue to try. Wake up every morning and try again. Those people you look up to worked so hard to get to where they are, you’re not special yet. You’re only special with the amount of work you put in, so everyday wake up with the decision to be better than you were yesterday, for yourself and by yourself. It’s you vs you! However, remember people are willing to help you. You just have to strategically place yourself in front of them. Well, end of pep talk! I wish you all a wonderful month. May February be good to us!