This presentation examines the links shared among expectation, disappointment and reality. I've likened the relationship of these three variables to the process of pregnancy and birth. Enjoy!

1. Pregnant with
Expectation
By Lowenfield Alleyne

2. Expectation - Definition
• The product of hope and faith
• We exercise hope and faith based on past events or
experiences or based on our perceived credibility of
an individual or product. For eg. If you are a
Christian; you should believe that Jesus will deliver
on whatever promises He has made because he has
delivered in the past and you deem him credible
because His actions have aligned with His words.
• A strong conviction that something will happen
• The event is eagerly anticipated; you can even taste
its fulfillment or even see the thing happening in
your minds eye.

3. Reality - Definition
• The state that things are
• This is the present state of something. Reality could
be equated to the ‘present’ or ‘today’. The present
however is not static – tomorrow/the future is
always waiting to be converted to today/the
present.
• The state of ‘now’
• Reality is always fresh. There are no left overs of
the past that can enter. Now is a time that you’ve
never seen before nor will ever see again.

4. Disappointment
Expectation
Disappointment
Reality
• Disappointment is that gap
between expectation and
reality
• Whenever reality falls below
expectation, then
disappointment occurs.
• The greater the level of your
expectation, the greater the
risk of disappointment,
should reality fall short.

5. Pregnancy
• Pregnancy begins with conception
• The fetus is secured by the womb and tied to
the mother by an umbilical cord
• The fetus has to be nourished and properly
cared for while in the womb
• The period of the pregnancy is separated into
three trimesters
• Every pregnancy is a peculiar experience
• A pregnancy will normally climax in birth

6. Conception
• Expectation is conceived when a particular
stimulus enters the brain.
• It is often difficult to determine what the
stimulus is or even its source.
• The conception of expectation is not internally
derived. The impetus to have your reality
changed is driven by circumstance or some
other factor.
• There are either of two emotions that are
evoked at conception – excitement or distress.

7. Security
• The fetus of expectation has to be secured.
• One has to be careful of the audience with whom
the news is shared – some individuals, if you allow
them, will either influence a miscarriage or an
abortion.
• Expectation is delicate and you need to be careful
how you handle it while it is being carried.
• Having strong support during this period is an
advantage – it will make the process of pregnancy
exciting.

8. Tied to the Owner (The Umbilical
Cord)
• Every fetus has to be attached to a source
• This source provides the nourishment that it
will need in order to successfully develop
• The quality of the nourishment going to the
fetus is directly related to the quality of the
things that the owner feeds on.
• There are other factors that will affect the
development of the fetus such as the
emotional state of the owner, among other
things.

9. The three trimesters
• Trimester 1
• Depending on how the expectation was conceived –
the owner will be either excited or sorrowful.
• The owner either embraces the idea of the
conception or may be in denial. In some instances,
the owner may even opt for an abortion.
• This period may be a very difficult one for the
owner as he/she may reach out to others for
endorsement of the expectation.

10. The three trimesters
• Trimester 2
• The anxiety of the first trimester is now behind
• The idea of the fetus now resonates with the owner
• There is greater comfort relating to others about
the pregnancy
• The negative influences may not have disappeared
but has little effect excepting to assist with fueling
the thrill of the pregnancy

11. The three trimesters
• Trimester 3
• This period has to be managed carefully as there is
risk that the expectation may have a premature
birth. If it’s a ‘preemie’ there is about a 50/50
chance of survival.
• As the days to the end of the pregnancy draw closer
then anxiety sets in – Am I really ready?
• Your level of readiness is totally dependent on the
level of preparation you would have made during
the period of the pregnancy
• Any day now! You’ve nursed the fetus as best you
could; now it’s time for delivery.

12. A Peculiar Experience
• It doesn’t matter how many pregnancies
you’ve been through each one is different.
• No matter how many expectations you have
conceived; the carriage of each provides a
different experience.
• Each expectation will vary in size, weight and
magnitude and will need to be treated
accordingly.

13. Birth
• Yes! The moment is finally here. You’ve
eagerly awaited the time when you give birth.
Expectation makes way for reality.
• Is reality anything like you expected – does it
look the same, does it smell or taste the way
you imagined it? How does it feel?
• Was the birthing process an exhilarating one?
• The emotions that you exude will validate your
feelings during the three trimesters.

14. Reality (the product of
Expectation)
• As I mentioned earlier all expectations will
climax at birth. It is at this point that reality is
born.
• Measure the reality against expectation to
determine where it falls. It will fall in one of
these three categories:
• Disappointed - reality falls short of your
expectation.
• Satisfied – reality and expectation are equally
matched
• Above and Beyond – Reality exceeds expectation.

15. Summary
• Expectation is conceived and carried until it is
birthed into reality.
• The conception of expectation is instigated by
a stimulus, often found outside of the owner.
• Expectation must be secured to ensure a safe
and successful birth
• There are three trimesters in the expectation
pregnancy process.
• Each pregnancy is a peculiar experience and
should be treated as such.