Have you ever felt that life is difficult or wondered, “Is there something wrong with me? Why is everything so hard?” I find myself pondering these questions often, too. But is it truly “my problem”? Or could it be that society plays a role in how challenging life feels?

Each of us is raised in unique environments, surrounded by unspoken expectations from society about how we “should” live. These expectations can sometimes push us to suppress our true selves or force us to stretch beyond our natural limits, creating growing anxiety and worry. In this article, let’s delve a bit deeper into what might be at the root of this “difficulty in living.”

Is It “My Fault” That Life Feels Hard?
From a young age, we’re taught to do our best to meet the expectations of others, whether it’s family, school, or society. Over time, we unconsciously internalize these ideals of what the “perfect self” should be and, along with it, we often start evaluating ourselves harshly. Trying to be perfect, fearing failure, and constantly comparing ourselves to others – these patterns can lead us to blame ourselves and feel anxious.

This tendency to criticize ourselves can lead to a cycle of self-doubt and stress, with thoughts like, “Why can’t I be more like others?” or “Why do I feel so anxious?” Eventually, we may start to believe that it’s entirely our fault that life feels challenging.

But let’s pause for a moment. Is it really only our fault? No matter how hard we try, we can’t always fulfill everyone’s expectations. In fact, the more we force ourselves to meet these impossible ideals, the less we see who we truly are.

Could Society Be Making Life Harder?
On the other hand, the difficulties we experience aren’t necessarily just personal; sometimes, they stem from the structure and values of society itself. For instance, in today’s world, we still encounter ideals like “You should work to have a stable life,” “Getting married and starting a family is the norm,” or “Success is defined by financial wealth.” These societal expectations can feel like barriers that make it harder to embrace our unique life paths.

For those of us practicing parallel lifestyles – choosing paths that may differ from traditional norms – we might sometimes feel misunderstood or labeled as “different.” The pressure from society can make it difficult to follow the life that feels most authentic to us. This pressure often builds, leading to feelings of loneliness and worry as if we’re being denied our right to live freely.

Moreover, environments at work or home may also be sources of hardship. Competitive workplaces or family environments that come with unspoken rules can easily make us feel burdened, fueling anxiety as we try to measure up.

Lightening the Load: Finding Relief from Life’s Burdens
When we’re struggling with life’s challenges, it’s not easy to pinpoint whether the cause lies within ourselves or with society. But to ease this weight, finding and honoring what’s genuinely important to us can be powerful.

For instance, taking a step back to reflect on whether we’re letting others’ expectations control us can be beneficial. Rather than trying to live up to others’ ideals, we can choose to follow our own hearts. Doing so can help reduce the stress we place on ourselves. Connecting with others who also feel that life is challenging can also be a great relief. Finding support among people who share our experiences can ease our burdens.

And as a practitioner of parallel life, have confidence in choosing a path that may differ from others. By establishing a lifestyle that’s true to us, we can walk our own path without being swayed by the expectations of society. When we clarify what truly matters to us and commit to it, we may discover the courage to live more freely, without needing others’ approval.

In Conclusion
Our struggles aren’t solely our own fault, nor are they entirely society’s fault. Rather, they’re the result of the complex relationship between personal and societal influences. Yet, even within this complexity, we can find our way to live authentically.

When life feels challenging, try looking not only within yourself but also at the impact of society and your environment. Each of us has the freedom to choose. By exploring what makes life feel more fulfilling and listening to our own hearts, we may find new ways to overcome anxiety and worry.

If this article resonates with you, please share it. Perhaps someone else facing similar challenges will find comfort and a sense of support through these words.