Breaking Free from the Expectations of Others

How I Found Myself by Letting Go of Other’s Opinions

Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

I took a long time to realize I wasn’t living my life. All of my decisions, and all of my moves, were affected by what I believed others expected of me. The incessant expectation of family, friends, and society had driven my life into paths that I never realized until one day that expectation crossed the line. Free users can read here.

I recall sitting alone in my room, tired of pretending to be everything for everybody. The enormity of it felt crushing. Despite chasing achievement, approval, and accolades, I was left feeling hollow. It was in that moment of stillness that I asked myself: Who am I living for?

Expectations Are Not Invisible, But They Are in Chains.

I learned at a very young age to value what someone else wanted over myself. Getting good grades, choosing a “respectable” career, acting in ways that wouldn’t rock the boat — it all felt like some script I hadn’t penned but was being forced to follow.

There seems to be an unspoken guideline for how we should conduct ourselves in the world.

• An educational qualification has been accomplished by a certain period.
• Employ me on a…