The worst place to live is in other people's expectations

It’s already hard enough to live with our own high expectations. But somehow, we end up taking on everyone else’s, too — trying to be everything for everyone, hoping we won’t disappoint, always aiming to be “enough.”

And somewhere along the way, we lose our sense of self.

Our culture often celebrates being busy, being impressive, and being endlessly available. But when we try to live by other people’s standards — their vision of who we should be — we start to shrink. And the person God created us to be gets buried under layers of guilt, performance, and perfectionism.

Here’s a gentle reminder:

God didn’t ask you to be perfect. He asked you to be faithful.

Faithful to your own journey. Faithful to your healing. Faithful to the unique person He lovingly designed.

Maybe you’ve felt this tension:

• Saying “yes” when your soul is quietly saying “no”

• Worrying you’re not a “good enough” wife, mom, friend, or Christian

• Feeling like rest, boundaries, or honesty might disappoint someone

But what if you could begin to live from freedom instead of fear?

What if you trusted that the person you are — imperfect, real, and still becoming — is already deeply loved?

You are allowed to rest.You are allowed to set boundaries.You are allowed to step out from under the weight of everyone else’s expectations and live rooted in God’s grace.

If this resonates, it might be time to explore where those old expectations came from — and who you are underneath them. Counselling can help you peel back those layers and walk in freedom.

🪷 Come home to the person God made you to be. You’re already enough.

Lana Marinho Bezerra Alencar, M.A. Counselling

Associate Professional Counsellor, PACCP #769MB22

Specializing in women’s struggles, relationship dynamics, identity and personal growth.