I operate in the default state of forthcoming disappointment whenever I approach the campus parking deck. I always assume my electronic transponder won’t work to raise the arm to let me into the deck.
I have memories. I have memories of cars honking and attendants coming to manually save me because my transponder fails.
So each time the transponder works, I rejoice!
I’m amazed at my capacity for fear and disappointment. I think of my little faith and what it would mean to assume victory with every approach.