I don’t know why, but the pattern always seems to be the same. Both of them keep placing expectations on me, as if living a simple, peaceful life is never enough. It’s almost like they’re not allowed to slow down for a moment and just breathe. The pressure often sounds like this: “You have to perform Hajj while you’re still young. The sooner, the better. If possible, go right now.” Sometimes it feels as though the message is, “Until you’ve gone on Hajj, you haven’t truly earned your place in the family.” Family gatherings, respect, recognition, it can all seem tied to whether you’ve checked that box. Then there are the expectations. The children must excel. They must achieve something. In every opportunity, in every field, they are expected to stand out. Being part of the crowd isn’t enough; they have to be the ones on stage, the ones holding the trophy, the ones everyone talks about. And honestly, those hopes aren’t necessarily bad. Deep down, they come from wanting the best for ...