Expectations Can Be Different

A friend of mine, new to the islands, told me about a time she brought a big container of Zippy’s Chili to school for her students as a surprise. Well, the surprise was on her because all the kids yelled out “where is the rice?!” She didn’t know that in Hawaii, you always have chili and rice.

That got me thinking of how different expectations can be. There is no right or wrong, it’s just what you are used to. It’s important to remember that your way isn’t the only way. When we explore other options from different families or cultures, it’s an opportunity to be open to a new experience. When I went to college in the mainland, they didn’t serve rice with chili, they served cornbread. At first it was a disappointment, but then I got to appreciate and really like the combination. As you are enjoying this new combination, take the time to ponder what other possibilities you could explore, not just with food, but with thoughts.