Summary

The undefined website content details a week-long photo challenge that prompts the author to reflect on the influence of expectations on daily experiences and perceptions.

Abstract

The author of the undefined website engages in a "Photo-A-Day Challenge" during the second week of October, which leads to a series of unexpected discoveries and insights. Each day's photo and accompanying text reveal how the author's expectations shape their experiences, from the surprise of homemade apple butter to the realization that beauty, like a stream by the highway, can be overlooked if not sought after. The author emphasizes the importance of being open to new experiences and learning, as evidenced by their discovery of resilient plants on their deck and the purchase of new books inspired by podcasts. The challenge also highlights the weight of clouds, contrary to their fluffy appearance, and the unexpected sight of a horse at a city stop sign, which the author connects to a local stable featured in a Netflix movie. The week-long journey concludes with a reflection on personal growth and the impact of expectations, encouraging readers to examine and adjust their own.

Opinions

The author values the role of expectations in shaping daily experiences and is open to revising these expectations when faced with new evidence.
There is a belief that beauty and wonder can be found in everyday surroundings, provided one is looking for them.
The author expresses surprise and delight at the unexpected outcomes of routine activities, such as apple picking and commuting.
Personal growth and learning are important to the author, as indicated by their enthusiasm for new knowledge and self-discovery through resources like podcasts and books.
The author suggests that understanding and managing one's expectations can lead to a more fulfilling life, prompting readers to also consider the impact of their expectations.

PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

Expectations

Second Week of October

Scientists found the link between what we expect to see, and what our brain tells us we actually saw. — University College London

This week forced me to take a few double-takes. Some of the happenings were not expected. I considered how much my expectations influence my experiences.

Day 1

The cover photo features my annual apple picking trip. I expected to fill my apple basket and to eat some nice fresh apples. I even expected to saute some with a little maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and a little almond flour. Yum! Just like every year.

I didn’t expect my husband to make apple butter. In disbelief, I asked if he bought it at the orchard, but he really made it. From now on, I expect us to try something fun and new each year, instead of just eating them as usual.

Photos, K.Barrett, author (**Fresh Picked and Homemade**)

Day 2

I expect to see beautiful streams while hiking, not at the side of the road where I get off the highway on my daily commute. I guess that is why I never looked and missed this one for years. This reminded me, beauty is everywhere if we are looking (and expecting it)!

Photo, K.Barrett, author (**Slow Stream**)

Day 3

While photographing a bee, a second subject caught me off-guard. I moved my camera to make sure what I saw through my lens was real. I almost missed the photo because I needed a double-take to believe what I was seeing.

Day 4

I haven’t visited my deck much lately because I expected to see dying plants. But, what I found was flowering/seeding broccoli and a sugar snap pea plant that saved itself for Fall production. I planned to plant this Fall but didn’t. This encourages me to do it next year.

Photos, K.Barrett, author (**Fall Findings**)

Day 5

Today was another double-take. A horse at the stop sign in the city. Not what I expected. This really made me realize how easy it is to scan the world and barely register what is in front of us because we already know for the most part what we expect to see.

After the initial shock, I remembered the stable a few blocks away that was featured in the Netflix movie Concrete Cowboy with Idris Elba. Although I have not yet seen one, a horse at this stop sign could be expected.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (**Concrete Cowboy**)

Day 6

If I ever got a chance to hug a cloud, I’d have expected a light fluffy hug back. I can’t get over a fact I recently heard about how heavy clouds are. Many sources report an astonishing 1.1 million pounds for a nice big white fluffy looking cloud. That is far from my light airy expectation.

I bet the darker they are, the heavier they are until they pour on us. This one or one of its cousins did pour on me shortly after this photo. I expected it.

Photo, K.Barrett, author (**Weighing In**)

Day 7

I learned recently that my shadow Sparketype is a Maven (learner) and I can’t stop! Knowing this about myself means I need to expect the urge to learn and learn how to resist at times. I can’t buy every book I hear about.

I didn’t expect one thing to lead to another in this way this week: a Jay Shetty podcast lead me back to Mel Robbins and her new book which led to a conversation with a co-worker that led to a Brene Brown podcast with Emily and Amelia Nagoski and their new book. Then, a few clicks on Amazon and two new books were on my doorstep. I’m off to start reading!

Thanks for reading. I hope everyone works to understand the impact of their own expectations. I challenge everyone to uncover and revise as needed in service of being their best selves!

Thanks to Dennett for starting this challenge. See the rules here if you want to join:

Wow Week

My week in photos

medium.com

Thanks to all of the others that have joined.

Erika Burkhalter/Anne Bonfert/Lisa Bolin/Juan O. Aguilera/Mia Verita/Susan Alison/LensAfield/Barbara Radisavljevic/Diana Lotti/Barbara Dalton/Kim Zuch/Sandra Barrett/Shruthi Sundaram