"Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprise"

Living life without expectations is a philosophy that encourages us to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the surprises that come our way. Imagine not having a set plan for every step you take—allowing life to unfold naturally, and finding delight in the little things. That's the essence of the idea. When we don't expect things to go a certain way, we're less likely to be disappointed and more likely to appreciate the moments that catch us off guard in a good way.

Historically, this way of thinking can be tied to Stoicism, a philosophy founded in ancient Greece that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions. The Stoics believed that we should focus on what we can control and accept what we cannot. In modern times, this quote aligns well with the principles of mindfulness and living in the moment—two practices that have gained popularity for their mental health benefits.

Let's bring this to life with a real-world example. Think about a backpacking trip. You’ve got no set itinerary—just a backpack and a sense of adventure. One day, you might stumble upon a quaint little village, meet some friendly locals, and get invited to a spontaneous festival. You didn’t plan for this, but because you had no expectations, the experience becomes a delightful surprise. You savor every moment of that unexpected festival because it feels like a gift.

Now, how can you apply this to your everyday life? Start small. Let’s say you usually expect your commute to work to be smooth and quick. When there’s traffic or a delay, it ruins your day. What if you flipped this and expected nothing from your commute? You’d be more open to listening to a podcast, enjoying the extra time for reflection, or even striking up a conversation with a fellow commuter. Little surprises—like discovering a new favorite podcast—become delightful instead of routine.

Picture this scenario: Sarah loves planning every detail of her vacation. She spends weeks researching, creating itineraries, and setting expectations for how everything should go. But on one trip, her meticulously planned tour gets canceled due to weather. Initially, she’s crushed. But then, she decides to wander the city without a plan. She discovers a hidden café with the best coffee she’s ever tasted, stumbles upon an art gallery with a fascinating exhibit, and ends her day watching a stunning, impromptu street performance. None of this was planned, yet it becomes her favorite day of the trip.

So, the next time you’re about to set an expectation for something—a meeting, a date, a day—try to catch yourself. Think about the freedom and joy that can come from living frugally on surprise. Embrace the unexpected and find beauty in the unplanned. Life can be so much richer that way.

Remember, it’s all about shifting your mindset. When you’re not weighed down by expectations, every surprise feels like a wonderful bonus. And who doesn't love a good surprise?