Had an epiphany the other day in realizing how I made it to where I am today in my life. For years, I had been attributing it to hope, determination, being insightful, analytical and resourceful. However, it became quite obvious that it goes beyond just that.

It actually comes down to implementing the special dynamic duo of Hope and Expectations. Similar, yet not quite the same meaning in this respect. Hope, or the faith that my future would be better, is what motivated me. Expectations are what I saw as actions taken based on the Hope. So it was both Hope and Expectations that I had to be successful in life that formed my ambition to create the life that I desired.

Hope and Expectation that my life would be better and easier as an adult literally got me through the toughest chaotic times in my childhood. It gave me the will to live even during my darkest moments.

All I ever wished for as a child was to grow up fast – fast enough that I would have my independence, and to escape the dysfunctional family madness around me. Literally I would count the years I had left until I would graduate high school, so I could finally be free and go on to college and move out of the house. As a child, I would pray and deeply sob to God and ask why do I have the family I have, why do I have trouble with the kids at school, why are we struggling financially, and why have I been given this life to live? I was searching for some answers. I told God it was so unfair.

Nowadays, I can honestly say that I’ve lived two different lives already – my younger self and my adult self. The person, who I was a child and the life I had then, is drastically different today.

Always, I had the expectation for myself that I would graduate high school with honors, go on to college and get my Psychology degree. As long as I can remember, I had the expectation that I would be successful and financially independent.

My expectations became my reality. With scholarships that covered the cost of my tuition at Long Island University/CW Post, I was able to finish my BA degree in Psychology. In my senior year of college, I participated in one of the most extensive learning programs in the country to become a Volunteer Hotline Crisis Counselor at Long Island Crisis Center (LICC) and continued in this role for 7 years. I’ve had a successful career in Human Resources and have been promoted three times in past 10+years being in this field. During my career in HR, I completed my Master’s Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. About four years ago, I became a homeowner, and live in a condo gated community with incredible neighbor friends that one could only ask for. In the last few years, I learned to love something I hated, Running, and became a Half Marathon Runner last September 2011, for the first time. My childhood dreams are realized with all new beginnings.

Absolutely, I have the desire and strong expectation for more, to one day become a career mom, who is very much supportive, nurturing, and involved in my childrens’ lives. Even more, I have the expectation that with my future husband, we will one day create the family life I never had as a child for our children. Everything would be completely different, and I would be a mother that my children would be proud of.

Everything has and will continue to transpire better than I even imagined. Dreams do come true. Nothing is impossible. Realize that with the right Expectations you hold a powerful way to seriously change your life. It all starts with holding the right expectations for yourself and your life. Never let anyone take that away from you!

I am a strong believer of expectations. All in all, despite my adversities, I’m the person I am today because of them, and I embrace myself, the individual, I have become.

What expectations do you want to create for your life right now and for the future?

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