Nihil Expecta

For some reason I can’t stop thinking about the large black poster that had “NIHIL EXPECTA” in imposing foot tall letters on the wall in Tim’s office in San Dimas. Since my peace accord with the wind at Pistol River I have to say the cycling has been much more enjoyable. Simply because I made the decision to embrace things as they come and enjoy them.

Nihil Expecta was on the poster, nothing more.

Simply translated it means Expect Nothing - it is strange looking back. When I first saw the poster, its meaning did not really register.

As an athlete I had learned to expect that if I worked hard my skills would improve. And entering most competitions I expected to win. As a student I had learned to expect good grades for quality work. As a worker I expected wages for time spent on a job well done. As a lover I expected fidelity for my commitment.

No! This “Nihil Expecta” thing just did not register… Until this trip.

The beauty of Nihil Expecta is in the freedom of it. I didn’t understand it then; I understand it better now!

So much of my life has been trapped in expectations. Over the years, I have had countless expectations for myself and for others. Expectations have found their way into every facet of my life - and I am beginning to understand their chokehold on my ability to take a deep breath, my ability to truly embrace the life that is around me.

Much of my disappointment with life is directly related to my relationship with expectations. This bicycle trip is such a new thing - not knowing what’s next or how I am going to deal with it has been a revelation.

Looking back, I am beginning to understand...

NIHIL EXPECTA -

Everything is a gift!

#NoGuarantee #Paradigm