Let Go of Expectations, Live with Intention
Peace isn’t found in everything going your way… it’s found in how you choose to show up when it doesn’t.
The Way We Thought Life Was Supposed to Go
Think about how you started your day today.
You probably had expectations.
Things you expected to get done
Ways you expected others to act
Outcomes you expected to happen
It’s natural.
We all do it.
Because expectations feel safe.
They give us a sense of control.
But here’s the problem:
Life doesn’t always cooperate.
When Life Doesn’t Go as Planned
There’s a story shared in the transcript about a simple vacation.
The expectation?
Relaxation.
Golf.
Good food.
Time with family.
What actually happened?
A flat tire on the way there
A dislocated knee
Stress from family issues
Getting sick on the drive home
Not exactly the dream trip.
And honestly… we’ve all had days (or seasons) like that.
Where nothing goes the way it was “supposed” to.
And that’s where expectations become dangerous.
Because expectations say:
“This is how it has to go.”
And when it doesn’t…
We feel:
frustrated
disappointed
discouraged
even angry
The Shift That Changes Everything
What if instead of expectations…
you lived with intention?
Here’s the difference:
Expectation says: This must happen
Intention says: This is the direction I choose
Expectation is rigid.
Intention is flexible.
Expectation breaks when life shifts.
Intention bends… but doesn’t break.
A Better Way to Approach Your Day
Instead of saying:
I expect to have a great day
Try:
It’s my intention to show up as my best today
Instead of:
I expect everything to go right
Try:
It’s my intention to handle whatever comes my way with patience and faith
Can you feel the difference?
One ties your happiness to outcomes.
The other ties your peace to who you choose to be.
The Foundation That Keeps You Standing
There’s a powerful truth taught in scripture:
“It is upon the rock of our Redeemer… that ye must build your foundation… that when all his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you…” — Helaman 5:12
When your life is built on expectation…
You crumble when things don’t go your way.
But when your life is built on Christ…
You may bend…
But you won’t break.
Letting Go of Control
There’s something deeply freeing about admitting:
You are not in control of everything.
And you were never meant to be.
That’s where trust comes in.
Like the message behind the song:
“Jesus, take the wheel.” — Carrie Underwood
Not as a last resort…
But as a daily choice.
To trust that even when life doesn’t go as expected…
God is still guiding you.
Anchoring Quote
“Expectation is the root of all heartache.” — William Shakespeare
Practical Reflection
Take a moment and ask yourself:
Where in my life am I holding onto expectations?
Of myself?
Of others?
Of how life “should” be going?
Now ask:
What would it look like to replace those expectations with intention?
Today’s Daily Challenge
Choose one intention for today.
Just one.
Something like:
Today I choose to be patient
Today I choose to be positive
Today I choose to trust God
Then let everything else go.
Let the day unfold.
And focus on living that intention—no matter what happens.
Closing
Life will always be unpredictable.
Plans will change.
People will disappoint.
Unexpected things will happen.
But your peace doesn’t have to disappear with it.
Because peace isn’t found in controlling life…
It’s found in choosing how you live it.
So let go of expectations.
Hold onto intention.
And trust that even when the road changes…
You’re still being led exactly where you need to go.
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