Thursday, August 24, 2023

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Shifting The “Just Wait” Mentality

How many times have you heard those infamous words, "Oh, you just wait until..." or "That's nothing, just wait"? It seems that in every aspect of life, there's always someone ready to dampen our excitement and optimism with tales of impending doom and challenges ahead.

Let's start with parenthood. It's no secret that bringing a baby into the world is a life-altering experience. But why do we feel the need to bombard expectant parents with horror stories of sleepless nights, endless diaper changes, and tantrums at every stage of their journey?

During my pregnancy, if I mentioned I was tired from waking hourly, I would get the response "just wait until the baby is here and you won't be getting any sleep at all". The truth is, I’ve been getting more sleep in the past three months of being a parent than I did in my last three months of pregnancy.

Instead, imagine if someone said “Just wait until you see your baby smile for the first time at the sound of your voice and those uncomfortable pregnancy months are soon forgotten”, or, “Just wait until their little hand grasps your finger and you experience love like you’ve never experienced before”.

Beyond parenthood, this "just wait" mentality permeates various aspects of life. Imagine starting a new job, excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, only to be bombarded with warnings about office politics, demanding bosses, and long hours. Instead of being warmly welcomed and focusing on the thrill of stepping into a new role, the chance to learn and grow professionally, and the satisfaction of making a positive impact in the workplace.

Now, don't get me wrong. Life is not all rainbows and unicorns. Challenges and setbacks are a part of the journey. But constantly focusing on the negative "just wait" scenarios can rob us of excitement and anticipation.

So, the next time someone shares their excitement about a new chapter in life, resist the urge to offer cautionary tales and share a positive experience instead.

Amanda

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