Kim Wasley Psychologist
Kim Wasley Psychologist
February 13, 2026
Most of our suffering doesn’t come from what happens. It comes from what we expect to happen.
We expect people to understand us.
We expect life to be fair.
We expect ourselves to cope better, do more, feel stronger.
And when reality doesn’t match those expectations, we feel disappointed, anxious, frustrated, or stuck.
Expectation quietly creates pressure.
Many high-functioning people live this way without realising it.
They keep going. They keep achieving.
But inside, there’s tension — a sense of “this shouldn’t feel this hard.”
Expectation is the root of all heartache.
Playwright and Poet
The problem is carrying expectation that were never questioned.
When expectations run the show:
Relief doesn’t come from lowering standards or giving up. It comes from clarity.
Clarity asks:
You can choose how you respond.
You can choose boundaries.
You can choose support.
You can choose to lead yourself differently.
This is not about “positive thinking.”
It’s about self-leadership — understanding what’s happening inside you so you’re not driven by pressure, guilt, or invisible rules.
If this resonates, you’re not alone.
And you don’t have to carry it on your own either.
During the holiday period, many period, many people feel this tension more strongly — expectations around family, rest, productivity, and how we should feel.
If you’d like a gentle place to start, I’ve created a short resource that explores this more deeply.
Wishing you steadiness and clarity,
Kim
