progressoverpotential

Personally, I have felt so overwhelmed with the pressure of performance in today’s society. We often feel the need to be perfect, make the right decision, question our purpose, and wonder what the point of anything is. And honestly, I am entering my 20s, which is already such a confusing time in life, then adding the pressure of performance and perfection, might as well say I’m fighting thoughts of doom and despair. I have more experience than most at my age yet I have rushed everything while still feeling so far behind. In recent years, I have turned to following Jesus, and despite believing I am loved and have a purpose. I still feel overwhelmed, uncertain, and that everything is POINTLESS. From breakups, school, finding passions and a career, putting ideas into action, and desiring the end results like a family of my own and a stable career, it really does make you question what am I striving for? We are taught to take control by some then told to let it flow and trust the process by everyone else… but who even knows some think they have it all figured out one moment then the next it seems like their life has just fallen apart. Then others seem to never care or plan and say stop overthinking. Then some other meaningless motivational quotes insert someone saying “everything happens for a reason”, “Just be happy,” and whatever else people say. I’ve always been what you could call the “Why?” child, you know the one that wonders why the seasons change? Why is a car called a car? Why do we have to buy things like toilet paper and sign meaningless tax forms every year? Sure, you can say that’s just the way life is, and I mean that’s true, but I still want to truly understand. I don’t know if it’s a blessing or a curse to be curious. And being a Christian doesn’t make it any easier because yes, I find the answers in the Bible to many questions, but then it’s like I have a list of performances all over again. Don’t drink, don’t smoke, no sex before marriage, you have a purpose, you are loved. And quite honestly, the thought of purpose makes me feel less motivated. I am trying not to effort myself through everything, but it’s always drink more water, limit social media, do more, do less, love yourself, love others, just let them, do what makes you happy, smile more, and make more money. It’s honestly so overwhelming then to be told stop caring and stop thinking, okay, my bad, I should have thought of that one sooner. Perseverance is ironically my favorite concept just to keep moving forward because I can’t change anything that’s already happened, what you don’t know, you really just don’t know, and you’ve got to accept that. All I know is everything is meaningless, so might as well just enjoy it, you know. Ecclesiastes is honestly the perfect book to read when feeling these thoughts I seem to question over and over, as it talks about how everything is honestly meaningless, and gaining more knowledge does lead to more grief. There is a season for everything, but if you are grateful for what you do have rather than what you lack you will release many thoughts of disappointment. Ecclesiastes 11:9 “Do everything you want to do, take it all in, but remember you must give an account to god for everything you do.”

-JM ❤

05/17/26