This article, Disappointed or Inconvenienced, was first published in 2015 and it is one of my most popular articles. I have referred to it many times and its lesson about assumptions and expectations have been a source of understanding and peace for its millions of readers. While we believe that we disappoint people who expect us to be present, available, and serve them, the truth is that we merely inconvenience them when we say no. If you would describe yourself as a 'people pleaser', as someone who tries to make others happy, this article will resonate with you. And the result of realizing that your attempts to avoid creating disappointment are futile, gives you the information you need to create stronger energy boundaries and to be more aware of how you are using your emotional and energetic resources.
https://enlighteninglife.com/disappoint-inconvenience2/When talking to clients who are preparing to make big life changes, especially those who are kind hearted, gentle, forgiving, and compassionate empaths (which includes many of you), they will inevitably say that they don't want to disappoint someone in their life, who may not like or appreciate the changes they are considering.
It can be disappointing to someone who is very connected to us and who counts on us and our presence in their lives to have that suddenly disappear when we are unavailable to meet or serve their needs. But are they really disappointed, in the real sense of the word, or just inconvenienced because now what they depended on you for has to be done by someone else, or they have to do it themselves?
Disappointment or inconvenience -- there is a huge difference that you should know so you make choices that serve you and your intention from an empowered, guilt-free and shame free perspective with your energy resources intact and standing on the firm platform of your energy boundaries.
What is the difference between disappointment and inconvenience? For example, if I invited you to attend an event with me, was looking forward to spending time with you, thought that you would enjoy yourself, and knew that we would have a great time together., and you couldn't go, I would be disappointed because I really wanted to spend time with you.
But, if I had an invitation to an event, needed someone to go with, asked you because I thought you would be available and then you cancelled, I would be inconvenienced (but say that I was disappointed) because now I need to find someone else to go with me or go by myself.
Read the rest of the article on the blog at enlighteninglife.com