Disappointment is a genuine and valid emotion that can have significant impacts on relationships if not managed properly. It arises when our desires or assumptions are not met, leading to feelings of hurt and frustration. Throughout my life, I’ve encountered disappointment in various forms – whether in myself, others, or even God.
If I’m being fully transparent, it is most often when I don’t get my way. If I’m being fully vulnerable, it most often tempts me to feel rejected.
One poignant instance of this was when my parents decided to relocate to San Antonio. After living just minutes away from them for decades, the news of their move came as a shock to me and my family. The prospect of such a significant change brought about genuine disappointment and hurt for all of us.
Struggling to empathize with their decision, we found it challenging to genuinely celebrate their new journey. What compounded the situation was their disappointment at our own disappointment, leading to a strained relationship where both parties were consumed by their hurt and frustration. It created a rift in the relationship.
Our disappointment opened the door to the spirit of DIS. The spirit of DIS is like an octopus that sits on your head and messes with your mind. Each tentacle represents another word that starts with “dis”:
- Discarded
- Discomfort
- Disconnected
- Discounted
- Discouraged
- Dishonored
- Disliked
- Displaced
- Disregarded
- Distrust
- Distance
by Laura Bradshaw
Image by Dima Pechurin