Sadness or displeasure caused by the nonfulfillment of one’s hopes and expectations is a good way of defining disappointment. It is a feeling of loss, an uncomfortable space, or a painful gap between our expectations and reality. When we believe that there is something we must have to be happy and fulfilled, we most likely can set ourselves up for disappointment.
Well, disappointment is a natural phenomenon. It happens to every person even to lower animals like our pets and their reaction when they do not get what they want from us. So, it is not just you. You are not a bunch of disappointments as some people have addressed us sometimes. Since it is a natural phenomenon, it is a given. It will always come. We just pray it does not happen often and at crucial times and matters. But if it happens, the key to not being depressed is knowing how to deal with it and move forward.
Since disappointment is a feeling, an emotion, we probably will not be able to hold it back once it happens, but we can for sure, deal with it once it happens. Always acknowledge and recognize it once it comes. This is important because admitting the issue at hand is a step forward in resolving it.
Once you admit the disappointment, reflect on it briefly. Take in the pain and even shed a tear if it warrants that. This is an important process in grieving. Then replay the scenario as much as you can remember with the aim of learning from the disappointment. Avoid dwelling on what might have been that did not happen. Do not let yourself be absorbed into the negativity that comes with the emotions and pain and avoid self-pity. This is not an easy process but you need it to know what you can take away from the situation. There is always something to take away, better if it is good and valuable.
As you discover that which is valuable in the process, put it into perspective, make a plan with determination to do better, and avoid disappointment if you have to go through that expectation again. Identify the next golden opportunity. Do not give up, do not let the disappointment suck you into negativity and inaction. As Thomas Edison said “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work…Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
We learn from our errors, mistakes, and disappointments. Learning from yours for no knowledge is a waste. You can do this! We are cheering you on!
One ❤️❤️❤️
