Lowered Expectations

Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried to be someone or something else to get or keep a relationship. No, seriously. Get ‘em up high!

Why are we so bent on having it all and then some? Feeling the pressure to live up to other people’s standards to be a good mom, perfect partner, earnest worker and driven lover and giver of life is EXHAUSTING. For all the talk about life balance out there, one writer has had enough, and is singing the praises of an unbalanced life.

Martha Beck , a freelance writer, mom and life coach, says that once we let go of the expectation that we must be everything to everyone we can find the freedom to live as our own hearts desire. Being free of the burden of expectation looks like taking greater risks in work and in love—and it also means being able to improve our relationships across the board, because when we are living well, we are communicating and responding well.

Do you feel overwhelmed trying to live a perfect and balanced life? What effect is it having on your relationships? [CNN]