Three words, although varying in degree, are related. They are also a chain reaction which can end badly depending on the attachment to the vehicle that started off the anticipation.
Coould be a bad habit. Could be a person. Could be a substance. All examples of what can start as anticipation and end up being an addiction.
Let’s start with anticipation. Anticipation is simply looking forward to or preparing for something that may happen. Innocently enough, anticipating can be ice cream, a planned vacation coming up, getting an email from a certain person you value. When that anticipatory object is satisfied repeatedly, it becomes an expectation.
Expectation is the belief that something should or will happen. Your brain is now used to getting said object. Still innocent, but expectation is ‘stronger’ than anticipation. You could say it is a ‘gateway word’ to the next and the most damaging word in this series…
Addiction. Addiction is a compulsive dependence on a substance, behavior, feeling, person or experience despite harmful consequences. We are all familiar with this word, or should be. And hopefully you are not going through it.
One Connecting Word
But with all these words there is one thing in common which is the fourth word mentioned in title: attachment.
You will do well to be aware of this concept of attachment. It is an emotional dependence on a person, outcome, object, belief, or experience for your happiness, identity, or peace of mind.
With attachment can be suffering. No attachment, no suffering. So make yourself aware of what you have in your life that you are attached. It may be that it would be an all or none situation for yourself. But that is up to you. And how strong the attachment actually is.
Words of wisdom from an experienced novice.
You are most welcome.