There's one thing that every single one of us does, Reader, that creates huge amounts of angst.

We expect.

What does this have to do with Beckham? I'll get to him in a sec, hang in there with me!

There are two types of expectation, both linked to believing we’ll gain something.

✨ The first type is when we expect from ourselves.

We take steps, put in the work, and expect to succeed. This is healthy. It motivates us, drives us forward, and builds resilience.

✨ The second type is when we expect from others or situations.

This one is a trap. It sets us up for distress.

The greater the expectation, the greater the disappointment.

• If you expect others to understand you, but they don’t ➡️ disappointment.
• If you expect someone to show up, but they cancel ➡️ disappointment.
• If you expect a job, a plan, or even a family dinner to go a certain way and it doesn’t ➡️ disappointment.

Expectation turns into a cycle of frustration that holds your peace to ransom.

So, let’s get back to Beckham. ⚽️

Beckham was known for curving the soccer ball in ways nobody could predict. The defenders couldn’t read him. They never knew where the ball would land until it hit the back of the net.

So, what's that got to do with you?

Imagine this: expectation is the ball.

The opposing players are the people and situations you want something from.

The goal square is your happiness.

If you kick straight.. expecting the ball (or life) to go exactly where you want, chances are you’ll be blocked.

But if you learn to play like Beckham… to bend, to weave, to let go of the need for predictability… suddenly, you can find your way to the goal, even if it’s not in the way you first imagined.

👉 That’s the shift: replacing rigid expectation with curiosity, creativity, and trust.

I see this theme of expectation come up with my clients every day. Not the exciting, manifesting, and abundance type, but the suffering of disappointment and frustration.

I will share with you a life changing quote from a wise man I used to work with who shared him wisdom with me one day many years ago..

If you can remember this, it will help you release the heavy weight of expectation, and discover a lighter, less obligated way of living.

Then you can decide to pivot. To acceptance.

If the cycle of expectation and disappointment is living in your nervous system, and you need a little help to release it, we can do this quickly through a one hour tapping session (Emotional Freedom Technique).

If you can do with a lighter emotional load, or (let's go there...) if you would like to release your triggers that register at about an 8/10, let's make that happen. It's easy to reply and let me know.

Then you can show up with your full soccer kit and kick some butt like Beckham did!

Got some old boots laying around the house, Reader?⚽

With love,

Ali x

PS; There's a private community coming, with personal support and Zoom calls. Stay tuned.

PPS; Read my blog about how 'doing the work' with therapy doesn't have to be hard.​