The Tyranny of Shoulds

In this episode, Kathryn dives into the relentless inner critic we all know too well—the “tyranny of shoulds.” Drawing from personal experience and professional insights, Kathryn explores how modern life amplifies our expectations, often leading to burnout, anxiety, and that nagging sense of never being quite enough. Through gentle storytelling and practical suggestions, this pop up episode encourages us to recognize and soften those harsh self-demands, cultivating a more compassionate and spacious inner world.Tune in to hear:How our “shoulds” have evolved and multiplied in the age of technology and social media.Ways to notice and question the expectations we place on ourselves and others.Practical steps to experiment with letting go of some of these “shoulds.”A guided reflection to help cultivate self-compassion and ease.Interested in diving deeper?Check out my upcoming retreat program, Bodymindfulness: Cultivating Awareness through Gentle Care, where we’ll explore practices and reflections to unwind from the pressures of daily life and get to know ourselves at a spiritual and cellular level. The retreat blends yoga and somatic practices, mindfulness, psychology, and Ayurveda, and is the perfect opportunity to nurture yourself in a supportive community. Exciting news!I’m thrilled to announce that a brand-new podcast series is in the works. Stay tuned for more details, where we’ll continue these rich conversations and explore even more ways to live with ease and authenticity.Journalling Prompts:1. Reflect on one of your “shoulds” that has been weighing on you. Write down where it came from and what it demands of you. Then, ask yourself: Is this truly necessary? Does it reflect my own values and needs, or is it coming from an external expectation? 2. Think back to a moment when you felt a sense of ease or peace. Describe the experience in as much sensory detail as you can—what were you doing, feeling, hearing, or seeing? What made that moment stand out as peaceful, and how could you create more moments like it?3. Consider an expectation you hold for yourself that has never felt fully “satisfied.” Explore what “good enough” might look like for this expectation. What would it mean to redefine success or contentment in this area of your life?4. Create a list of affirmations to support the Medicine of Enoughness. Examples could be: “I am enough, as I am.” “My efforts are enough.” “I am here” (to cultivate presence without pulling yourself into the future). Repeat them to yourself out loud, noticing any resistance or discomfort. What makes these statements feel true or untrue?Stay Connected:If this episode resonated with you, make sure to subscribe and leave a review. You can also follow me on social media @kathrynanneflynn for more updates and content that supports your journey.