"Expectations are the story we make up in our heads of what we want or don't want in a future situation.” In this episode, Rebecca navigates the complexities of setting expectations during the business of life - specifically during the holiday season. She discusses the emotional and social complexities of the holiday season, the journey of managing and redefining expectations to create a more enjoyable and fulfilling holiday experience, and more. Listen to Rebecca as she shares her strategies for balancing reality with your desired experiences. In this episode, you’ll learn: Practice gratitude and look for the bright side of circumstances to shift your mindset and experience more joy during the holiday seasonEmbrace the change and let go of rigid expectations to create new, positive experiences even in the face of challenging circumstancesAvoid attaching yourself too tightly to expectations, as doing so can lead to disappointment Things to listen for: [01:39] Why expectations can lead to disappointments [09:35] Managing expectations during life changes [12:58] Media’s influence on unrealistic expectations [14:06] Hold loosely to expectations to experience joy Connect with Rebecca: https://linktr.ee/rebeccafleetwoodhessionauthor