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Disappointment

The word ‘disappointment’ is surrounded by a host of negative concepts, and therefore, negative energy.

We can feel disappointed when misunderstandings occur.  We can feel disappointed when hopes have been dashed.  We can feel disappointed when plans must change and life takes a turn beyond hopes or dreams.Words that commonly link to the experience of disappointment may include setback, defeat or failure; or at another level, frustration, disillusionment, discontent.  But I think a reaction of disappointment can, if treated gently, assist in healing negative life experiences. To be disappointed in something or someone or a much desired outcome is gentler to oneself and to others than to feel hurt, angry and irate and out of control.

disappointedWhen things go wrong, we may feel stress.  Our body may react to that stress and we may experience rising anxiety, and that anxiety may escalate to a very uncomfortable state indeed.  But if, when things go wrong, we can shift our feelings and our expression of feelings to that of disappointment, I think it’s possible to defuse the stress reaction, to intercept rising anxiety and in the process, to begin to view the situation rather differently.

Disappointment may make us sad.  But I think it’s a gentler kind of sad.  Rather than generating the negative energy that surrounds frustration, anger, bitterness and fear, the concept of disappointment brings with it the possibility of acceptance.  Things happen for a reason; patience may be called for; time may make all the difference.

Disappointment is a calming kind of word.  It’s less reactive and when substituted for frustration, irritation, anger and more, it can have a kind of relaxing effect.  Words can do that.  Let’s see if changing one little word in our mind could make things better when the next disappointing experience turns up.

Pauline McKinnon ©
September 2016