And That's Okay! When Family Expectations Don't Match Yours

11/19/24 • 11 min

Have you ever felt the weight of family expectations pulling you in a direction that doesn’t feel quite right? Maybe it’s about your career, relationships, or even how you spend your holidays. When family expectations don’t align with your own desires, it can create tension, guilt, or even resentment. And guess what? ...That’s okay.

We’ll unpack why it’s okay to feel this way, offer steps to navigate these situations, and share ways to preserve those family connections while still honoring your truth.
ACTION STEPS:
It’s okay to feel conflicted or even hurt when family expectations don’t match yours. These feelings are valid and deserve acknowledgment.
Start by clarifying your own desires before addressing them with your family>
Use open, honest conversations and ‘I’ statements to communicate your perspective without blame.
Set thoughtful boundaries that protect your peace while keeping the relationship intact.
Appreciate your family’s good intentions, even if their approach doesn’t align with your path.
Don’t neglect those relationships—lean into the areas where connection feels natural and fulfilling.

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Order your copy of And That's Okay! book
Sign up for our weekly email "Feelings First"
Follow along over on Instagram
Hang out with us on Facebook

Previous Episode

And That's Okay! BONUS EXCLUSIVE - How to Respond When Someone Asks YOU for Help!

This week's podcast episode was about YOU asking for help....but in this EXLCUSIVE BONUS episode, we're diving into the other side of the equation: What do you do when someone asks you for help?

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Next Episode

And That's Okay! Navigating Holiday Anxiety

Welcome to another episode of And That’s Okay! I’m so glad you’re joining me today. With the holiday season fast approaching, many of us are already feeling the weight of family gatherings, social expectations, and the general chaos that often comes with it. And that’s okay! It’s normal to feel overwhelmed. In today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how to manage stress before family gatherings so you can enjoy the holidays without the heavy emotional baggage that can sometimes come with it. We’ll discuss simple strategies you can use to calm your nerves, set boundaries, and shift your mindset so you can create a holiday season that feels joyful and peaceful.
Action Steps:
Create a “Stress-Free” List: Write out what’s causing you stress about the holidays, then next to each item, jot down one small action you can take to ease that stress. For example, delegate a dish to someone else or set a limit on how much time you'll spend at each event. And that’s okay!
Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule at least 10 minutes a day this week to take care of yourself. Whether it’s meditation, stretching, or just unplugging from the holiday chaos, this time will help keep your stress levels in check.
Practice Saying No: If you’re feeling overextended, practice saying “no” in a way that feels good. It could be a simple, respectful refusal that doesn’t require an explanation. And that’s okay!
Hydrate and Fuel Your Body: Make hydration and nutritious meals a priority. Taking care of your physical needs will give you the energy and clarity you need to handle stress.

Order your copy of And That's Okay! book
Sign up for our weekly email "Feelings First"
Follow along over on Instagram
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