expectations

How does one avoid forming expectations?  And in my case today, the sense of disappointment that sometimes follows.  I often find myself at the risky intersection between planning and outcome.  You try to create something, but it can be hurtful when it does not materialize as you hoped.

 I suppose the remedy is to shift the emphasis onto the process itself.  Any positive outcome then becomes a bonus, a pleasant surprise.  The process is the product, so to speak.  Although intellectually this makes perfect sense to me, my less refined heart still disagrees.  And when I become too focused on what should be, then loose sight of what is wonderful and magical and glorious about already IS.