When Hope Feels Hard After Being Let Down Before

Assalamu alaikum guys, I’m struggling with something deep. I’ve been in moments where I wanted something so badly, poured my heart into duas, and truly believed Allah would answer. But then things didn’t work out. Over and over. Now I’m at a point where I kinda brace myself-like, I still pray, but inside I’m scared to fully expect anything because I don’t wanna get hurt again. I know the hadith says Allah is as we think of Him, but it’s tough when you’ve been disappointed before. How do I handle this? Should I force myself to have high hopes, even when my mind keeps whispering that it might not happen? Or is it okay to just keep making dua with this fear in my chest? I don’t want my doubts to mess with my faith. Any advice?