Sometimes it seems that you have to be a wonderful mother, an attentive partner, a successful woman, well-groomed, strong, inspiring and - necessarily - in a good mood. Are you tired? Lost? No motivation? Well, of course, "you're a woman, you can handle it." The world is always waiting for something. And you increasingly look in the mirror and think: "Why didn't I cope again?.."

For a long time, I felt like I was living in an endless race. Everything had to be done perfectly: the house was in order, the child was well-fed, the work was done, and I looked cheerful and light. But inside, there was a scorched field. Without strength. Without a taste for life. And most importantly, with a feeling that I had fallen short again.

Over time, I realized a simple but painful thing: it is impossible to please the world if you constantly betray yourself. Every time you say “yes” where you want to say “no,” you distance yourself from yourself. When you drive yourself into someone else’s standards, you lose the taste for your own path.

What helped me not to be disappointed in myself:

Admit: I don’t have to be perfect. I am alive. And sometimes I am sad. Sometimes I am tired. Sometimes I don’t know what to do next. And this does not make me worse.

Compare yourself to yourself, not to others. I do not have to be like her. My pace is mine. And today I can be a little better than yesterday. Or at least just be.

Ask yourself: "What do I want?" Not "what is needed", but what do I want. My voice is important. And it deserves to be heard.

Be kind to yourself. Don't scold, don't push forward. But support. As a friend. As a mother. As someone who is there not for success, but simply because you are you.

The world will continue to demand. It will not get tired. But you can choose yourself. Not to be "good", but to live your own life, and not someone else's program.

And there is no selfishness in this. This is love. For yourself. And, therefore, for those who are near.