The Expectation Gap
Note from Jamie
I like to share things that light me up, fill me with joy, and make my life easier. Nothing is sponsored. These are just things that are helping me along my journey.
The Expectation Gap
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about expectations and happiness. I watched a Ted Talk by Nat Ware called Why We’re Unhappy, and one idea really struck me: we’re often unhappy not because of our actual reality, but because of the gap between our expectations and reality.
Think about it: we rarely see the real picture of life. We see highlights, polished moments, the very best angles. And when we see those images again and again, our brains start to think: This is normal. Then, when our own experiences don’t measure up, we feel disappointed—even if our reality is actually pretty wonderful.
One of Nat’s examples was Olympic athletes. Gold medalists are thrilled, bronze medalists are often surprisingly happy, but silver medalists? Many of them feel crushed. Why? Because the bronze medalist is comparing themselves to not winning at all, while the silver medalist is comparing themselves to the gold. The outcome is the same—an Olympic medal!—but the happiness depends on expectations.
I couldn’t help but think about how this shows up in my own life. A few years ago, I was thrilled to learn that I was selected to be on a television series. My image would even appear on a billboard. I thought, “I have made it! People will recognize me. I’ll be a Milwaukee celebrity!”
And yes, sometimes people tell me I look familiar. Yes, I’ve been given wonderful opportunities because of this experience. But for the most part, my life is still… the same. I'm still working to pay down debt. The dishes are still piling up in the sink. I’m still me.
The truth is, our expectations are sneaky. They’re shaped by our imagination, our past experiences, and the people around us. And they can set us up for constant disappointment if we’re not careful.
So what do we do? Nat says the answer isn’t to just lower our expectations—it’s to change the way we relate to them. A few things that help me:
- Notice the “highlight reel” trap. Social media, ads, and even our own imaginations love to oversell.
- Pause before predicting. Ask: “What’s realistic here?” and “What might joy look like in the messy, imperfect version of this?”
- Practice gratitude for the real. The crowded Taj Mahal, the burnt cookies, the cloudy beach day—those imperfect moments are the ones we actually live.
Happiness blooms when we let real life be enough. Sometimes that looks different than we pictured—but it’s often more beautiful than we imagined.
xoxo,
Jamie
Inspiration
Nourish Pick of the Week
I’m extra proud of our Nourish Bug Spray—because it actually works.
Over and over, customers tell us they’re amazed at how well it keeps mosquitos away (without the chemicals, sticky residue, or harsh smell). It’s one of those rare products that exceeds expectations—because it does exactly what you want it to do.
So whether you’re camping, gardening, or just hanging out in the backyard, you can relax knowing the bugs won’t ruin your night.
This is one expectation you can count on. ✨
Workout of the Week
This week’s workout is all about slowing down and giving your body exactly what it needs: movement that feels good now and supports you in the long run.
In just 20 minutes, you’ll flow through gentle mobility exercises and relaxing stretches designed to release tension, improve flexibility, and help you reconnect with your body. Think of it as a reset button—soft, nourishing, and sustainable.
Your body will thank you both today and years from now. 💫
Recipe of the Week
Roasted Chicken, Sweet Potatoes, & Kale Bowls
This week’s recipe was such a hit in our house that Scott, Emma, and I fought over the leftovers. (Always the mark of a winning recipe!)
(In case you're wondering, Emma won. She always wins.)
These hearty bowls bring together roasted chicken, caramelized sweet potatoes, lemony kale, creamy avocado, and a smoky chipotle sauce that ties it all together.
Comforting, nourishing, and packed with flavor—this is a recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Live well. Be kind.
Jamie
