Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Raindrops Keep Fallin











Top: Gap; Skirt: Nordstrom Rack (similar spend, similar save); Heels: Anne Klein via Macy's

I read an article the other day about how happiness is derived from this equation: reality minus expectation. When your expectations are very high and you fail to meet that in reality, you're left with a negative balance in the happy tank. This is, in a really superficial way, like going shopping at Anthropologie. My expectation is usually around the "maybe I'll find a top for $20" area and the $140 top reality leaves me with a giant deficit. This applies to all areas of life - jobs, your relationships, how quickly you're growing up, your physical appearance, your closet, your body... I could go on. If you're not sitting around dreaming up the fantastic, amazing world that you want to have and you're just going out there and doing what you love and trying to excel at it, your reality doesn't have to battle a fantastical world of expectation. 

The article was in reference to why Generation Y (1970s-early 1990s births) are chronically unhappy, but I think it can easily relate to my generation (tail end of Gen Y and beginning of the trophy generation). We were raised to feel absolutely special, went to colleges that taught us to pursue that which made us happy and elevated the world (thanks liberal arts!), and yet all want to achieve a level of nice-car-and-a-house wealth... but that's increasingly hard in a troubling economy, a world of increasing college debt and lower starting salaries for college grads, and it's not that easy to make enough money for your fleet of Audis when you're doing what you love (think art, poetry, non-profits, etc.). 

I struggle with expectation versus reality problems every day and I think that's a key piece in improving my daily mood! I'm trying to figure out how to slow down those wants and yet keep my long-term goals in mind. 

16 comments

  1. That leather paneled skirt is gorgeous!

    I am not at my dream job so I totally relate to the article.

    -Sharon
    The Tiny Heart

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  2. This skirt is AMAZING!!!! I need it!

    xo Amy

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  3. love that skirt! and seriously, your eyes are soo gorgeous!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

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  4. i read that article too -- it seems to be everywhere! lots of good points made in there, i just wish the author didn't make Gen Y sound so bratty.

    love your skirt, btw!!

    xo,
    gabby

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  5. There is so much truth in this post. We all need to learn that what we have is good enough. On the other hand, I'm dying for that pencil skirt ;)

    xo Ashley

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  6. I like your insights on the article. I agree that unrealistic expectations can lead to a pretty poor attitude. Important to stay thankful for what you've got versus what others might have (or our upbringing tells us we should have). Btw, your eyes are poppin in these photos!

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  7. Man, that is a great skirt! And that top is perfect for the PNW!

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  8. Love the skirt!!!
    Hope
    hchdesigns.blogspot.com

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  9. I am so with you on this: style and philosophy! You look great in this skirt and top. Exactly my style.

    Kate from Clear the Way

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  10. Great outfit for the professional women! Sara

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  11. You are so right in managing expectations vs reality, this is something I can relate to very well.
    I love your leather panel skirt and the blouse is pretty.

    Dee
    Ms Dee Kay

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  12. I frigging LOVE that skirt! It looks so lux!

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  13. Love your skirt

    www.stylemekim.blogspot.com

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