Expectation vs. Disappointment

I think I need this Inspirational Quote more than anything today! I have a really hard time with "getting ideas in my head" (aka expectations) and then not dealing well with the disappointment that comes from the fail of the expectation. My uncle used to say "what leads to disappointment? Expectations." Simple enough, and that was his mantra repeated to his daughter throughout her life. I think we can all agree that this seems like an easy enough way of thinking to take us through life.

But its SO DIFFICULT not to expect that loving hand on your shoulder when you're having a bad day, or that job that you are SO PERFECTLY qualified for, or that recognition for bringing (what could have been a huge) issue to light, or that the dishwasher would be emptied and new dirty dishes replaced and the kitchen cleaned up because you cooked dinner the night before.

But no, you don't get it and then you're disappointed, because you had created in your mind all of the great and wonderful things that WERE going to come from those expectations.... And that's the harsh reality of it.

I think it is also fair to say that when we keep our expectations low, the disappointment is few and far between, but then we're faced with the question of - SO DO I SET HIGH GOALS FOR MYSELF? And then also, with keeping the bar low, are we settling for what is less than what we deserve? Its a tricky and hard road to travel.
I am kind of at a loss when it comes to those posed questions above. What is the best way to deal with it? To get over it? To not do it at all and still keep aspirations alive? If I figure it out, I'll let ya know!