The Myth of Having It All—And the Tyranny of Potential

Sometimes, in the middle of the night, you wake wondering if you’re missing out on a grander life. There’s pressure everywhere: to excel at work, to be the perfect partner, to raise children who will one day thank you—or at least stay out of therapy. Around you, media and culture whisper, 'Have it all, or you’re failing.' Yet, even your happiest friends confess to dreaming of other paths—more sleep, less stress, a lost hobby from their twenties. The truth is, having it all is a myth crafted by a culture obsessed with potential, not practicality.

Try this: list the loudest societal pressures you feel—from screen, friends, social media, even family. Then, in quiet, write down what is truly non-negotiable for your well-being or your family’s happiness. Imagine just one week living only by those values, not the world’s script. For seven days, let yourself be 'enough.' At the end, reflect: did you feel freed or twitchy? Notice the weight that lifts—and carry that lighter load into tomorrow.