The Axiom Of Realistic Expectations
Individuals Demonstrate Valid Behavior
By Having Realistic Expectations
For Themselves, Their Lives, And Others

Please take six minutes to watch Kelsey Peterson, a former Nebraska middle school mathematics teacher who is now serving six years in federal prison, discuss how decisions she made led her to having a sexual relationship with her then 12-year-old student Fernando Rodriguez and fleeing with him to Mexico. ("ABC News Exclusive: Kelsey Peterson Opens Up In Jailhouse Interview") While this case is extreme, her experience can be a lesson for all of us.

As she relates the events surrounding her incarceration, Peterson admits she "made choice after choice after choice" that contributed to her downfall, and albeit on a much smaller scale, many people do this in their own lives as well. Even though our daily choices may seem insignificant at the time, they can dramatically impact our future. In our hurry to meet life's constant challenges, it is easy to forget how our day-to-day behavior snowballs into the rest of our lives, especially if our actions are not conducive to an honorable, productive, and peaceful life.

Following Magna Sententia, having realistic expectations means inwardly acknowledging and accepting the most probably outcome of our actions. This requires us to objectively analyze our inner thoughts and outward behavior. Granted, the vast majority of us would never go so far as Peterson, but we all have our areas of weakness that could put us in an undesirable position if we do not watch ourselves carefully:

• Do we allow ourselves to lose control of our emotions, hurting our co-workers, friends, or loved ones with our words? (The most likely outcome: damaged or ruined relationships, extreme loneliness.)
• Do we ignore our budgets (or not have one), charging more purchases on our credit cards than we can pay off at the end of each month? (The most likely outcome: deep debt or bankruptcy.)
• Do we forget to exercise and watch our diets, gaining weight and losing fitness? (The most likely outcome: diabetes, heart disease, or any of the many other illnesses that are directly related to how well we take care of our bodies.)
• Do we drive too fast, even running red lights on occasion because we are always rushing from one place to the next? (The most likely outcome: an accident in which we severely injure or kill ourselves or, worse yet, someone else.)

Unfortunately, Kelsey Peterson did not stop herself before it was too late. But we can. Stop and think about your actions, the words you use, and your life. If you are ignoring the signs of devastating consequences to come, now is the time to change. Don't wait until you are so deep in trouble that there is no way out.

Anna and Ellie Sherise
Creators of Magna Sententia
Authors of Magna Sententia: The Logical Cure for Our Society

Disclaimer
Anna Sherise and Ellie Sherise are not licensed or trained healthcare professionals, counselors, or financial advisors. This article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not intended to take the place of the care and advice given to you by your physician, counselor, other healthcare professional, or financial advisor. Sherise Media LLC, its members and representatives, specifically disclaim all responsibility for any liability, loss, or risk, personal or otherwise, which is incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, of the use and application of any of the contents of this article and/or website.