My Journey

Daily writing prompt

Share a lesson you wish you had learned earlier in life.

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I wish I had realized earlier that I wasn’t bound by obligation to attend every event or gathering for the sake of others. Growing up in a family that accepted every invitation, even if it meant dashing from one event to another just to catch dessert, I often found myself reluctantly attending bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, and more, all of which held no personal appeal to me. These events would consume a significant portion of my weekends.

Fast forward to today, at 28 years old, I’ve come to understand that my parents no longer possess the power to compel me into attending events I have no genuine interest in.

Here’s the revelation: You aren’t obliged to attend these gatherings either, and the truth is, most people won’t even notice if you’re not there.

So, rather than succumbing to the pressure of people-pleasing and attending events you’d rather skip, stay home, engage in activities that bring you joy, relish some quality “me time,” and liberate yourself from the needless burden of obligatory attendance.

Are you someone who typically feels compelled to attend every event out of a sense of obligation? Has this post swayed you at all?