The Weight of “Should”: Expectations We Put on Ourselves and Others

from Monomyth Diaries · host Mandi & Angie

SEND US A TEXT, we’d love to hear from you!How often do you catch yourself saying: I should be further along. I should have known better. They should act differently.That one small word—should—can quietly carry a lot of pressure, shame, and expectation.In this reflective Monomyth Diaries conversation, Mandi and Karen explore the ways we place expectations on ourselves and others, and how those judgments can keep us disconnected from curiosity, growth, and compassion.At Monomyth Diaries, we intentionally live by “no advice, no experts.” Not because we don’t care, but because we believe some of life’s deepest wisdom comes from listening to lived experiences rather than being told what we should do.If you’ve ever felt weighed down by expectations—your own or someone else’s—this episode offers a different perspective: What if we replaced judgment with understanding?We’d love to hear from you. Have a question, reflection, or story to share? Reach out and help us continue building a community rooted in honesty, connection, and growth.Links & Resources:🌐 Explore more episodes and stories at monomythdiaries.comCall to Action:✅ What’s one “should” you’ve let go of recently? We’d love to hear from you. ✅ Share this episode with someone who values gaining wisdom from another's experience over advice.Support the showThank you for listening to Monomyth Diaries —a take-what-you-like-and-leave-the-rest podcast where everyday people share extraordinary journeys of healing, resilience, recovery, faith, grief, and personal transformation. Through honest conversations, we explore the universal Hero’s Journey and discover the tools, wisdom, and unexpected gifts that emerge from life’s greatest challenges.New episodes every first and third Tuesday.If this episode resonated with you- • Follow the show on your favorite podcast platform • Share this episode with someone who may need it • Leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube. You can also go directly to our website to learn more and review us. Connect with us: Instagram • YouTube • FacebookHave a story, reflection, or question? We’d love to hear from you!Explore more episodes - www.monomythdiaries.com No advice. No experts. Just real people sharing real journeys.Join us every other Tuesday, and together, let’s continue the journey!

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published Jun 30, 2026

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The Weight of “Should”: Expectations We Put on Ourselves and Others

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