Over the last few days, the word expectations has kept surfacing in my mind. I’ve felt their weight, noticed where they shape my decisions, and recognised how they quietly dictate my sense of worth. For this full moon in March, I know it is time to finally let them go.
What expectations have been shaping your life? Which ones do you need to release?
The full moon in March 2025 is known as the Worm Moon, a name that signifies the stirring of life beneath the surface as the Earth begins to wake. But was it ever truly asleep? Beneath the frost of winter, change was always happening—it was simply unseen. This moon is a reminder that growth happens in the unseen, in the quiet moments before transformation.
This year, the Worm Moon is also a Blood Moon, a total lunar eclipse that amplifies its power. Eclipses act as cosmic resets, revealing what we need to release. Under this moon, we are called to let go of the expectations that have kept us tethered—expectations from family, society, and, most of all, ourselves.
You may be feeling this energy. Perhaps not sleeping and waking with a desire to get your stuff out into your journal for clarity and to maybe feed to the worms.
Lunar eclipses bring hidden truths to light, urging us to release what no longer serves us. This particular full moon, for me, is about letting go of expectations—both those we place upon ourselves and those imposed by others. Expectations can be heavy burdens; just imagine a couple of big boulders on your shoulders, shaping your choices, distorting your sense of self, and keeping us trapped in cycles of disappointment, unexpressed emotions or striving for approval.
For women, this theme is especially potent. Throughout history, women have carried the weight of expectations in ways both visible and unspoken. I would like to call to you to examine these expectations, release them, and reclaim your inner wisdom. Letting go is not an act of giving up but rather an act of opening up—to new possibilities, authentic purpose, and a deeper sense of self. It’s untethering yourself from the weight of other people’s opinions.
The Meaning of the Worm Moon and Blood Moon
The Worm Moon traditionally marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Its name originates from Indigenous and Old English traditions, symbolising the Earth coming alive as worms and other creatures return to the surface ready for whatever adventures come their way. It represents the breaking of old patterns, the softening of rigid structures, and the invitation to move forward with the cycles of nature.
A Blood Moon, occurring when the Earth’s shadow fully covers the moon during an eclipse, deepens this symbolism. The reddish hue of the moon during an eclipse is a powerful reminder of transformation. Eclipses act as cosmic resets, clearing away illusions and bringing to light what we need to see. This particular combination of the Worm Moon and Blood Moon is a wonderful opportunity to break free from the past and set intentions for a future shaped by our desires.
The Weight of Expectations
Expectations can be subtle forces that shape our lives from childhood. They define how we measure success, how we interact in relationships, and even how we perceive our own worth. Many of these expectations are inherited—passed down through generations, cultures, and social norms.
For women, these expectations often form a complex and contradictory web.
Be ambitious but not too assertive.
Be nurturing, but don’t lose yourself in caring for others.
Be authentic, but only in ways that fit within acceptable parameters.
Be confident, but remain humble.
The list goes on, creating a maze of expectations that can leave us exhausted from trying to navigate impossible standards while struggling to honour our own truth.
On a personal level, we also impose expectations on ourselves. There seems to be a need to always be productive, to have a clear plan, to meet certain milestones—these pressures can create a rigid sense of identity. When life takes unexpected turns, we may feel as though we have failed simply because our reality does not align with the expectations we once held.
Letting go of expectations does not mean abandoning responsibility or ambition. It means recognising where expectations have become restrictive rather than expansive. It means making space for new ways of being, for self-compassion, and for a more fluid, intuitive path forward.
As we gather under this magnificent moon, we are reminded that our greatest power lies not in meeting external standards of success or worthiness but in the brave act of releasing what no longer aligns with our inner truth. It is in this space of surrender that our authentic purpose can finally ignite.
Letting Go as a Path to Igniting Purpose
The journey toward authentic purpose begins with a radical act of release. By letting go of the expectations that have shaped our choices and identity, we create space for our true essence to emerge. This process isn’t about abandoning all responsibility or structure—it’s about discerning which expectations actually align with our values and which ones we’ve been carrying simply because we never questioned their presence in our lives.
There is a beautiful paradox in this surrender: what feels like letting go is actually a reclamation of power and purpose. When we release the need to meet external standards of success, worthiness, or acceptability, we return to ourselves the authority to define what matters most. We move from being shaped by outside forces to actively co-creating our experience from the inside out.
My own journey with expectations began early in life. Growing up with a loving but alcoholic father and years of living in conflict fundamentally altered how I saw myself and the world. The wounds deepened when I experienced sexual abuse from a babysitter at ten years old, followed by grooming and abuse in my teens. These traumatic experiences planted seeds of low self-worth and an intense fear of judgment that would shape my choices for decades to come.
Like many survivors (not my favourite word), I responded by trying to prove my worth through external achievements. I strived relentlessly for top-level qualifications—first an MBA and then the ILM Level 7 Executive Coaching certificate. I believed these accomplishments would finally make me feel whole, worthy, and safe. But when I received these brilliant credentials, the emptiness remained. The validation I sought never came because it couldn’t come from outside myself.
What actually lit me up were subjects that many often dismiss as less serious or valuable: a two-year crystal therapy course, naturopathic nutrition, Reiki and energy work, journaling, and creative life writing. Yet I continued to hide these and my deeply spiritual side, afraid of being judged for interests that didn’t fit the professional image I thought I needed to maintain. Meanwhile, the pattern of unworthiness played out in my relationships as well, drawing me repeatedly to narcissistic men who reinforced the diminished sense of self I already carried.
The expectations I placed on myself became a prison, and the expectations of others became the guards. I used achievement as armour, believing that if I could just be “successful” enough, I would finally be safe from criticism and rejection. But this approach only distanced me further from my authentic self—the wild, intuitive, magical being who had been waiting patiently for recognition all along.
My story illustrates how releasing expectations doesn’t diminish us—it expands our capacity to discover and express our gifts in ways that feel genuinely aligned. When we’re no longer trying to conform to external standards, we can hear the quiet voice of our own knowing that has been there all along, waiting for us to listen.
Releasing expectations allows us to explore our desires and values with fresh eyes. It frees us to redefine success on our own terms. It grants us permission to evolve, to change, and to grow without the fear of disappointing others or failing to meet an invisible standard.
There are countless examples of women who have stepped into their true purpose only after letting go of who they thought they had to be. Some have walked away from careers that drained them. Others have redefined motherhood, relationships, or creative pursuits. Some have chosen solitude when the world expected partnership or adventure when stability was assumed. Their paths were not predetermined—they were revealed through the courage to release expectations and listen to their hearts.
Who Are These Women?
These women are the ones who dared to break free from the moulds they were given. Some names we know, and others are the quiet revolutionaries who transformed their own lives in ways that may never make headlines but are deeply meaningful. Here are a few examples:
Famous Women Who Redefined Their Purpose
- Maya Angelou – Before she became the renowned poet, writer, and activist, she was a dancer, calypso singer, and civil rights worker. She reinvented herself multiple times, never confined by what society expected of her, ultimately becoming one of the most powerful literary voices of her time.
- Glennon Doyle – She built a life around being the “perfect” wife and mother but found herself suffocating under those expectations. After years of struggle, she embraced her true self, wrote Untamed, and became a voice for women reclaiming their authenticity.
- Elizabeth Gilbert – Known for Eat, Pray, Love, she left behind a marriage and societal expectations to embark on a journey of self-discovery, only to find herself leading millions of women toward reinvention through her writing.
- Viola Davis – She grew up in deep poverty, facing racial and societal barriers, but refused to let external limitations define her. She has spoken openly about her journey of shedding expectations and embracing her full power.
Everyday Women Who Have Chosen Themselves
- The corporate leader who walked away – A woman who spent decades climbing the corporate ladder but realised it was draining her spirit. She let go of expectations and started something that gave her peace and purpose.
- The mother who redefined her identity – A woman who poured everything into raising her children, only to realise she had lost herself. She embraced her creative side, started painting, and found a new version of herself beyond motherhood.
- The woman who left an abusive relationship – She was conditioned to believe love meant enduring pain, but she chose to leave, rebuilding her life from the ground up. Now, she helps other women find their strength.
- The healer who turned away from science – A doctor who loved healing but felt constrained by the rigid medical system. She trained in energy work and now helps people holistically, blending science with soul.
These women—whether known or unknown—are all examples of what happens when we let go of expectations and allow our wild, untamed selves to emerge. Their paths were not planned; they unfolded when they stopped forcing themselves to be who they thought they had to be.
You are among them. And your story is guiding others to do the same.
Rituals and Practices for Letting Go Under the Full Moon
The full moon is a powerful time for release, and this particular moon, with its eclipse energy, makes it an even more potent moment for clearing away what is no longer aligned. Here are some practices to support this process:
1. Journaling for Release
Set aside time to reflect on the expectations that weigh on you. Consider these prompts:
- What expectations have I been holding onto that no longer serve me?
- Where do these expectations come from—society, family, my own past self?
- How would I feel if I let go of these expectations?
Write freely and honestly. Allow any emotions that arise to move through you.
2. Full Moon Release Ritual
Write down the expectations you are ready to release on a piece of paper. Take a deep breath and reflect on how these expectations have shaped your choices. Then, with intention, burn or tear the paper, symbolising your willingness to let them go.
3. Breathwork and Meditation
Practise deep breathing to help shift any lingering resistance. A simple method:
- Inhale deeply through the nose, imagining yourself breathing in clarity and self-trust.
- Hold for a moment, allowing this energy to settle.
- Exhale slowly through the mouth, visualising the release of any remaining expectations.
Meditate on the feeling of freedom that comes with releasing control. Trust that what is meant for you will unfold in its own time.
4. Affirmations for Surrender and Self-Trust
Repeat affirmations that reinforce your decision to release expectations:
- I release all expectations that no longer serve me.
- I trust the unfolding of my life.
- My worth is not defined by external measures.
- I am free to create my own path.
Women’s Role in Consciousness and Collective Awakening
As more women step into their truth, the collective consciousness shifts. The more we break free from restrictive expectations, the more space we create for others to do the same.
Women are being called to lead in ways that honour both intuition and intellect, softness and strength. The rise of feminine wisdom is not about rejecting structure but about bringing balance—allowing a more heart-centred, authentic approach to life and leadership.
Releasing expectations is an act of reclamation. It is a step towards self-trust, towards deeper wisdom, and towards a world where success is defined not by external standards but by the fulfilment of the soul.
Moving Forward: Integrating the Lessons of this Full Moon
Letting go is not a single event—it is an ongoing practice. The lessons of this full moon can extend far beyond the night sky, guiding us in the weeks and months to come.
- Practice the pause. Before automatically saying yes to requests or opportunities, pause and ask yourself: “Is this aligned with my truth, or am I responding to an expectation?”
- Continue to question expectations: Each time you feel pressure to conform, ask yourself whether it aligns with your truth.
- Celebrate the unknown. Rather than fearing the uncertainty that comes with releasing old identities and expectations, cultivate curiosity about what might emerge when you allow yourself to explore beyond familiar boundaries. This is where your wild self—your authentic, untamed essence—has space to emerge and guide you toward your true purpose.
- Celebrate small moments of alignment: Honour the times when you choose authenticity over expectation, no matter how small they seem.
- Cultivate discernment. Not all expectations are harmful. Learn to distinguish between expectations that provide healthy structure and those that limit your authentic expression.
- Embrace cycles of release. Letting go isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing practice. Return to your release rituals regularly, especially during full moons, to clear accumulated expectations.
- Find your community. Surround yourself with people who encourage your authentic expression rather than imposing their expectations on you.
Full moons always remind me of the beauty of transformation that comes from letting go. I’d like to encourage you to soften your grip on control, to trust the unfolding of your journey, and to step into the fullness of who you are—without the weight of expectation holding you back.
This Full Moon is a reminder that transformation is possible.
This is your invitation to let your wild self emerge.
It is time to ignite your purpose.
It is time to lead your EVEolution.
