The Burden of Societal Expectations

The pressure from societal norms weighs heavily on me. The relentless inquiries are exhausting:

• "At 25, shouldn't you have moved out of your parents' house?"
• "You should really be thinking about children soon; time is running out."

Family and colleagues often urge me to move forward, given that I've been in the workforce for about seven years and graduated from university quite some time ago. They wonder why I'm delaying marriage and starting a family.

While I recognize that these questions aren't meant to be harmful, I can't shake the feeling of inadequacy. Am I falling short?

Struggling with Self-Identity

The pressure and anxiety stemming from these inquiries are overwhelming. I still grapple with understanding "who I am" and "what I truly desire" from life. It's stifling when one perspective insists I need to be 'x' while another demands I become 'y'.

I often find myself pondering why I can't simply be myself and explore my identity without others dictating who I should be. I fear disappointing those I care about, and this is an ongoing challenge for me. There's a part of me that battles against the urge to please others, making it even harder to meet societal expectations.

Facing the Challenges Ahead

So, how am I tackling these challenges as I navigate my twenties? I've begun to prioritize my mental well-being above all else.

• Self-Care: Engaging in daily mindfulness and journaling has allowed me to channel my thoughts productively, offering a clearer perspective on life.
• Listening to My Inner Self: I remind myself that it's okay to not be ready for everything at once.
• Taking a Career Pause: In a culture that idolizes constant hustle, I recently chose to step back, reflect, and contemplate my career direction.
• Therapy: Finding the right therapist was a challenge—it felt akin to dating. However, the effort has been worthwhile, as we work together through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), significantly improving my mental health.
• Slowing Down: I've often been consumed by my corporate status and how my academic achievements are perceived. Now, I'm reclaiming control by focusing on what genuinely brings me joy and tuning out the distractions.

As I continue this journey through my twenties, I remind myself that my path is uniquely mine. I must not allow others' opinions to sway my sense of self, even when it stings.

If you find yourself in a similar situation, regardless of your age, remember that you are doing wonderfully. Don't let anyone pressure you into a life that doesn't resonate with you.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!

Rosie is a diverse Medium writer; you can subscribe to her page here.