How do we stay spiritual when others disappoint us?.

Question:

“Hello Deepak, I have been soul-searching intently for the last few years and have worked really hard at finding myself, being proud of who I am, who I’ve become, and satisfied with the path I am on. 

I have overcome significant obstacles in the past that have prevented me from growing or moving forward at times. 

Through this spiritual and intellectual transformation, I have learned to release any anger that I had held onto, realizing that holding grudges and negative energy was not healthy for me. 

These days, my energy is focused on finding balance and the happy medium. 

I am in the helping profession and pride myself on the ability to be an avid listener and good friend to those whom I surround myself with. 

What I often struggle with is balancing my expectations of others. 

I am sometimes disappointed in those who do not reciprocate or put in an effort towards gestures that I, as a good human being, wouldn’t think twice about. 

I do not want to sound like I am “giving” to receive or that I feel like I am constantly owed things, I am just wondering how I go about finding that balance. 

How do I deal with that disappointment that overcomes me? 

I want to accept that people are doing the best that they can and these gestures of absent-mindedness are not calculated or mal-intended, just the way people incorporate their own experiences. 

I thought maybe you would have some insight into this, as much of my spiritual journey has included readings and meditations from you. 

The Path to Love has been an excellent read and I often use it as a reference throughout my soul-searching journey.”