Small Expectations?

A thought-provoking quote from Alice Walker says, "Expect nothing. Live frugally on surprises."

I think I understand her meaning, but it bothers me. Perhaps she's warning us not to set ourselves up for disappointment. Writing is no job for the timid, though. It takes courage to put one's work out to be judged, dissected and possibly scorned. How could we do that if we didn't expect that something we write might be helpful or strike a chord with someone who reads it?

As for surprises, why not live extravagantly on them? Why not allow the pleasure of an idea that comes out of nowhere? A reader's heart-warming response? Go ahead and enjoy.