Letting Go of Expectations and Embracing Joy

Today, we’re diving into a topic that I think will resonate deeply with so many of you: letting go of expectations and embracing joy.

Expectations—whether they come from ourselves, society, or even our families—can feel like an invisible weight we carry, especially during mid-life. And while some expectations can push us to achieve and grow, others can hold us back, creating unnecessary stress and disappointment.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• What expectations are and how they shape our lives.
• Common examples of expectations we face, like perfectionism and societal pressures.
• How these expectations can challenge us and even make life harder than it needs to be.
• And most importantly, how to let go of those expectations and embrace joy instead.

I’ll also share some practical activities and tips to help you release emotional baggage and find more joy in your everyday life.

Transcript

Welcome back to Aspire and Achieve with Annie!

Today, we’re diving into a topic that I think will resonate deeply with so many of you: letting go of expectations and embracing joy.

Expectations—whether they come from ourselves, society, or even our families—can feel like an invisible weight we carry, especially during mid-life. And while some expectations can push us to achieve and grow, others can hold us back, creating unnecessary stress and disappointment.

In this episode, we’ll talk about:

• What expectations are and how they shape our lives.
• Common examples of expectations we face, like perfectionism and societal pressures.
• How these expectations can challenge us and even make life harder than it needs to be.
• And most importantly, how to let go of those expectations and embrace joy instead.

I’ll also share some practical activities and tips to help you release emotional baggage and find more joy in your everyday life.

Let’s dive in!

Let’s start by defining what expectations really are.

Expectations are beliefs or assumptions we hold about how things 'should' be. These can come from many places:

• Our upbringing and childhood experiences.
• Societal norms and pressures.
• Messages from the media, like the idea that we should always look a certain way or achieve specific milestones by a certain age.

While some expectations can be positive—like expecting yourself to show kindness or pursue personal growth—others can weigh us down. For example, feeling like you have to be the perfect parent, maintain a spotless home, or achieve career success at all costs.

These expectations often sneak into our lives without us even realizing it. And before we know it, they’re dictating how we think, feel, and behave.

Let’s talk about some common expectations people face, especially during mid-life.

1. Perfectionism:
   The idea that everything we do has to be flawless—whether it’s our appearance, our parenting, or even the way we handle challenges.
2. Societal Pressures:
   These could be expectations to look youthful, stay productive, or meet certain milestones, like having a perfect family or thriving career.
3. Self-Imposed Standards:
   Sometimes, we’re our own toughest critics. We might expect ourselves to always be strong, never ask for help, or handle every situation with grace.

Where do these expectations come from? Often, they’re rooted in our past—maybe from messages we heard growing up or from cultural norms. But here’s the thing: when we hold onto unrealistic expectations, we set ourselves up for stress, disappointment, and even resentment.

For example, I used to feel like I had to be everything to everyone—always available, always perfect, and always in control. But that mindset left me exhausted and robbed me of joy.

So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the weight of expectations, know that you’re not alone—and that you can let them go.

Why is it so important to let go of expectations?

When we hold onto unrealistic or unhealthy expectations, we create unnecessary pressure. That pressure can lead to:

• Anxiety or stress from feeling like we’re never enough.
• Resentment when things don’t go the way we hoped.
• A constant sense of dissatisfaction, even when life is going well.

Letting go of these expectations doesn’t mean giving up on goals or settling for less. It means freeing yourself from the 'shoulds' and focusing on what truly matters to you.

When you let go, you make space for joy. You allow yourself to appreciate life as it is, rather than how you think it 'should' be. You become more present, more peaceful, and more open to the beauty of the moment.

Now, let’s talk about how to let go of those expectations and embrace joy instead. Here are some activities and suggestions to help you:

Practice Self-Reflection:

Spend time journaling about your expectations. Ask yourself:
 

• Where did this expectation come from?
• Is it serving me, or is it holding me back?
•  What would happen if I let it go? 

 Challenge Perfectionism:

Remind yourself that nobody is perfect. Celebrate progress over perfection, and focus on doing your best rather than being the best.

Set Realistic Goals:
Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, set small, achievable goals that align with your values and priorities.

Practice Gratitude:
Gratitude helps shift your focus from what’s missing to what you already have. Try listing three things you’re grateful for each day—it’s a simple way to find joy in the present moment.

Focus on What Brings You Joy:
Make time for activities that light you up, whether it’s spending time in nature, connecting with loved ones, or pursuing a creative hobby.

Seek Support:
Talk to a trusted friend, join a support group, or consider working with a coach. Sometimes, we need an outside perspective to help us see what’s holding us back.

Remember, letting go is a process—it won’t happen overnight. But each small step you take will bring you closer to the joy and freedom you deserve.

Expectations can shape our lives in powerful ways—but they don’t have to control us. By letting go of unrealistic or unhealthy expectations, we can free ourselves from unnecessary stress and create space for joy, peace, and fulfillment.

Remember, you are allowed to release the weight of 'shoulds' and embrace the beauty of what is.

Thank you for tuning into this week’s episode of Aspire and Achieve with Annie. I hope today’s discussion on letting go of expectations inspired you to take a closer look at the expectations you’re carrying and start letting go of the ones that no longer serve you.

If you're feeling stuck or uncertain about your next steps, I invite you to book a free 90-minute Purpose Reboot Session with me. Together, we’ll explore where you are, where you want to go, and the best options for getting the support you need to move forward with confidence. Visit AnnieLewellyn.com to schedule your session today!

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with a friend who might benefit from it. Your support means the world to me!

And don’t forget to check out the free resources available on my website at annielewellyn.com—they’re there to help you on your journey.

Join me next Monday at 7 am when I share the answers to the most frequently asked questions you’ve asked me. Until next time, keep aspiring, keep achieving, and keep embracing the joy you deserve.