Wait...What?!

Expect nothing and accept everything? This sounds like a resignation to life.

But is it truly? Let me explain...

"I expect nothing and accept everything." is the final assertion in the book and goes to the point that you can't be dominated by someone or by something.

When you expect nothing you live in the present moment and take whatever comes at you exactly as it is, without filtering it in your mind and comparing it with what you thought it could be or should be. In other words, you see life as it is and you act accordingly.

The moment you have expectation, you submit yourself to an enormous risk of pain and suffering if what happens isn't the same to what you expected.

You expect to win that basketball game, but you lose.

You expect that girl to go on a date with you, but she flakes.

You expect 1000 likes to your new Instagram photo, but only get 200.

See what I'm saying? Every time you expect something out of a situation or from a person, you're exposing yourself to the unpleasant feelings of disappointment and frustration.

Why not just plan the way you intend to handle the situation or circumstance and then just do your best and be present in the moment. If it works, good...

If it doesn't, time for some reflection and analysis of what you could've done better and what can you improve to get a different result next time.

If you look closer, expectation can ruin relationships so simply. Usually, whenever there's a dispute or you get angry at someone, it is because you expected something from them but they totally misinterpreted that or didn't understand your needs at all.

Your relationships could get much better if you understand that people can't always anticipate your needs and feelings. Instead, it's a good idea to start talking about what upsets you and how would you like your relationship to be.

Going on, the acceptance part is probably the most confusing, but there is a good explanation.

Accepting everything doesn't mean that you put up with every fuc*ked up situation or circumstance in your life. It means you own it and you're confident that you can change everything that doesn't help you evolve.

It's more like embracing the experience as it comes but doing all that you can to make it as you wish.