Pen Name or Anonymous: Anonymous
Location: Michigan

Growing up as a brown girl, it always felt like I had to be perfect at everything. Good grades, looking presentable, saying the right things -like there was never room to just be “okay.”

Even small mistakes felt like the end of the world. And I’d catch myself thinking: if I don’t get it right the first time, does that mean I’m already failing?

But I’m slowly learning it’s okay to breathe. It’s okay to not have it all figured out. Just showing up is enough sometimes.

You don’t always have to be perfect to be proud of yourself.

Some pressures are subtle, but they influence everything we do. This story offers a relatable glimpse into growing up with expectations that constantly feel too grand. The writer shares their journey of pursuing perfection and the freeing realization of finally being able to let that go, even if it's just for a moment of peace